Current Theory

One current understanding of how information is processed is referred to as feature analysis.

Feature analysis is characterized by bottom up processing.  This involves searching a new stimulus for basic elements in order to recognize the stimulus.  As an example, an individual might see a new animal, and by looking for fur versus feathers and teats or mammary glands which suggest the production of milk, we can determine the animal is a mamal.



Another understanding is referred to as context analysis.  Context analysis is a top down processing approach.  By viewing this same new animal and considering the context in which the animal is found, additional judgements may be made.  If the animal is found in a zoo in the Australian exhibit, some assumption may be made that the animal is a kangaroo.



A final approach is pattern recognition.  Pattern recognition is based on prior knowledge, expectations and known concepts.  In understnading the new animal mentioned above, the pattern recognition process woulod quickly attempt to compare the new stimuli to some known animal or concept.  This comparison is then used along with any expectations the individual has about what may be seen, and the stimuli is then processed based on these patterns and expectations.


 
 

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