How does the capacity of Short-term Memory (STM) differ from Long-term Memory (LTM)?

Short-term memory has a very limited capacity (holding about 7 items) and duration, whereas Long-term memory has a virtually unlimited capacity and can store information permanently. In performance, STM handles immediate data while LTM provides the stored skill patterns to use.

What is the primary difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic feedback?

Intrinsic feedback is sensory information that comes from within the performer (like the feel of a movement), while extrinsic feedback comes from external sources like a coach or a scoreboard. Beginners rely more on extrinsic feedback because they lack the experience to accurately judge their own performance 'feel'.

Compare Knowledge of Results (KR) with Knowledge of Performance (KP).

Knowledge of Results refers to the outcome of an action, such as whether a goal was scored or a race was won. Knowledge of Performance relates to the technique or quality of the movement itself, such as the angle of a limb or the timing of a jump.

What is a common error regarding the placement of 'Feedback' in the model?

A frequent mistake is viewing feedback as the same thing as the output or result. In reality, feedback is the information *about* the result that is fed back into the system to influence the next cycle of input and decision-making.

Why is it an error to assume that 'Input' includes every sound and sight in the environment?

Input technically involves all sensory data, but without 'Selective Attention,' the brain would be overwhelmed. The model assumes that a successful performer uses selective attention to filter out irrelevant 'noise' and only input relevant data into the decision-making stage.

What mistake do students often make regarding the source of intrinsic feedback?

Students often wrongly assume that intrinsic feedback is just 'thinking' about a result. It is actually based on kinesthesis—the physical sensation of muscles and joints moving—which provides the internal 'feel' of the skill execution.

Define 'Selective Attention' within the Information Processing Model.

Selective attention is the filtering mechanism that allows a performer to focus on relevant environmental cues while ignoring irrelevant stimuli. This prevents the decision-making stage from becoming overloaded with useless information.

What is the 'Output' stage of the model?

The output stage is the physical execution of the skill, where the brain sends signals to the muscles to perform a movement. It is the visible result of the preceding input and decision-making phases.

Define the 'Input' stage in a sporting context.

The input stage involves the performer using their senses to gather information from the environment. This includes visual cues like the position of an opponent and auditory cues like a teammate calling for the ball.

How does the 'Decision-making' stage utilize memory?

During decision-making, the performer compares the current situation (held in short-term memory) against previous experiences and learned skills (stored in long-term memory). This comparison allows the athlete to select the most appropriate motor program for the situation.

Basic Information Processing Model | AQA GCSE Physical Education

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Information Processing: This is the cognitive framework where a performer gathers data about a sporting situation and uses it to make an appropriate decision and movement.
The Cyclical Nature: The model is represented as a loop because the results of one action (feedback) directly influence the inputs and decisions of the next action.
System Components: The model traditionally consists of four distinct stages: Input, Decision-making, Output, and Feedback.

Flowchart showing Input, Decision Making, and Output in a linear sequence, with a dashed Feedback arrow looping from Output back to Input.

2. Input Stage & Selective Attention

Sensory Intake: During the input stage, the athlete uses their senses (sight, hearing, touch, balance) to collect information from the environment, such as the position of teammates or the flight of a ball.
Information Overload: In any active environment, there is too much data for the brain to process at once, leading to a need for a filter.
Selective Attention: This is the process of focusing on relevant cues (e.g., the ball) while ignoring irrelevant distractions (e.g., crowd noise).
Skill Level Impact: Experienced performers are much more efficient at selective attention, allowing them to react faster by processing only the most vital information.

3. Decision Making: The Memory Systems

Role of Memory: Once information is gathered, the brain must decide on a response by comparing current data against stored knowledge.
Short-term Memory (STM): Also known as 'working memory,' it holds the information currently being processed for a very short duration (seconds) and has limited capacity.
Long-term Memory (LTM): This acts as a permanent store for learned skills and past experiences, such as knowing exactly how much power to put on a pass.
Interaction: The decision-making stage involves the STM 'fetching' patterns or skills from the LTM to determine the best course of action.

4. Output: The Execution

Neuromuscular Command: After the decision is made, the brain sends coded signals through the nervous system to the relevant muscles.
Physical Action: The muscles contract and relax in a coordinated sequence to perform the chosen skill (e.g., a tennis serve or a football kick).
Precision: The quality of the output depends on both the accuracy of the decision-making stage and the physical fitness/technique of the performer.

5. Feedback: Evaluating Performance

Closing the Loop: Feedback is information received about the success or failure of the output, which is then used to adjust future inputs.
Intrinsic Feedback: This is the 'feeling' or internal sensory information the performer experiences (e.g., knowing a golf swing felt smooth).
Extrinsic Feedback: Information provided by external sources, such as a coach's advice, the scoreboard, or video analysis.
Knowledge of Results (KR): Feedback focused on the objective outcome (e.g., 'the ball went into the net').
Knowledge of Performance (KP): Feedback focused on the technique or quality of the movement (e.g., 'your elbow was too low').

6. Key Distinctions

Memory Systems Comparison

Feature	Short-term Memory (STM)	Long-term Memory (LTM)
Capacity	Limited (approx. 7 items)	Unlimited
Duration	Seconds	Permanent
Function	Active processing	Storage of skills

Feedback Types

Type	Source	Primary Use
Intrinsic	Senses/Muscles	Experienced performers for self-correction
Extrinsic	Coaches/Scores	Beginners who cannot yet judge their own feel

7. Exam Strategy & Tips

Visual Identification: Be prepared to label the four parts of the model (Input $\rightarrow$ Decision $\rightarrow$ Output $\rightarrow$ Feedback) on a provided diagram.
Application Tasks: Exams often ask you to apply this model to a specific sport; always mention Selective Attention in the Input stage to gain higher marks.
Common Pitfall: Do not confuse 'Feedback' with 'Output.' Feedback happens after the action to inform the next cycle, whereas Output is the action itself.
LTM/STM distinction: Remember that Short-term memory is the 'workspace' where you think now, while Long-term memory is the 'library' where skills are kept.

Basic Information Processing Model

Summary

1. Definition & Core Concepts

2. Input Stage & Selective Attention

3. Decision Making: The Memory Systems

4. Output: The Execution

5. Feedback: Evaluating Performance

6. Key Distinctions

7. Exam Strategy & Tips

Basic Information Processing Model

Summary

1. Definition & Core Concepts

2. Input Stage & Selective Attention

3. Decision Making: The Memory Systems

4. Output: The Execution

5. Feedback: Evaluating Performance

6. Key Distinctions

Memory Systems Comparison

Feedback Types

7. Exam Strategy & Tips

Memory Systems Comparison

Feedback Types