Which type of models focus on how individuals process information rather than the structures or development of intelligence?

• A. Information processing models
• B. Structural models
• C. Developmental models
• D. Behavioral models

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is information processing models. These models treat cognition as a series of mental operations: how information is attended to, encoded, stored, retrieved, and manipulated. They view the mind like a computer, emphasizing processing steps, working memory, processing speed, and the strategies people use on tasks. This focus on internal cognitive processes distinguishes them from other approaches:

• Structural models examine how intelligence is organized and related abilities, often through patterns and factors.

• Developmental models explore how cognitive abilities change and grow over time.

• Behavioral models emphasize observable actions and responses to the environment, not internal mental operations.

So, when the question asks for models that focus on how information is processed rather than the structure or development of intelligence, information processing models are the best fit.