Simple Information Processing Model

The Simple Information Processing Model is a cognitive tool used to explain the processes the brain undergoes when learning and performing a new skill.
The model highlights four key stages that occur in sequence: Input, Decision Making, Output, and Feedback.

The Input stage is the first step of the process where all the information about the task is gathered.
Information is received through our senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste), but most often in sports, it is derived from sight and hearing.
An example would be observing the placement and speed of a ball during a game.

The Decision Making stage is where the brain processes the information gathered and decides what response is appropriate.
The ability to make quick and accurate decisions often differentiates between successful and less successful athletes.

The Output stage is the execution of the selected response or skill.
This stage is often the visible action or movement seen during sports or physical activities, like hitting a ball, running or diving.

The Feedback stage involves receiving information post-performance which is used to gauge the success of the response.
This information can be intrinsic (from inside the body, like feeling that you hit the ball properly) or extrinsic (from outside the body, like a coach saying you hit the ball well).
Feedback can be immediate (concurrent feedback during performance) or delayed (terminal feedback after performance).

This model also demonstrates how our brain manages multiple pieces of information simultaneously.
It is important to note that whilst this information process is perceived as linear in the model, in practice it is happening constantly and often at very high speed in professional sports.
For example, a professional tennis player would use this model every single time they hit a return shot. The input is the opponent’s serve (speed, spin, direction), the decision making is how and where to return the shot, the output is the actual return shot and the feedback is how effective the return was.
The subsequent feedback then plays a crucial role in improving performance and decision making in the future.