Information processing

Information processing is a concept that encompasses the change (processing) of information in any manner detectable by an observer. As such, it is a process that describes everything that happens (changes) in the universe, from the falling of a rock (a change in position) to the printing of a text file from a digital computer system. In the latter case, an information processor is changing the form of presentation of that text file.

Overview

The concept of information processing was first proposed by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver in their 1949 work, The Mathematical Theory of Communication. They proposed a model of communication which involved three primary parts: the information source, the transmitter, and the receiver. This model is often referred to as the Shannon-Weaver Model of communication.

Information Processing in Computers

In the context of computers, information processing refers to the change (processing) of information in a systematic way. This typically involves the conversion of input data into a meaningful output. This process is carried out by a central processing unit (CPU), which is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing.

Information Processing in Psychology

In psychology, information processing is a cognitive process that involves the intake of information, processing it, and making decisions or changes based on the processed information. This is often referred to as the Information Processing Theory, which suggests that our minds are like computers, processing information from our environment and responding based on that information.

Information Processing in Business

In business, information processing refers to the series of activities by which data is collected, stored, processed, and distributed to the right people at the right time. This is often facilitated by Information Systems, which are designed to support the processing of information in an organization.

See Also

• Data processing
• Information theory
• Cognitive psychology
• Business information systems