An interpretation of Pascual-Leone’s discrete mathematical model of human information processing capacity

A. G. Shannon
Notes on Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics, ISSN 1310–5132
Volume 14, 2008, Number 2, Pages 15–20
Full paper (PDF, 40 Kb)

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Authors and affiliations

A. G. Shannon
Raffles College of Design and Commerce, North Sydney, NSW 2060, &
Warrane College, University of New South Wales, NSW 1464, Australia

Abstract

This paper outlines the pioneering work of Juan Pascal-Leone’s investigations of the cognitive load of learners. It utilized a recursive scheme in a Piagetian cognitive development framework to measure the maximum number of discrete “chunks” of information or schemes that our working memory can process, control or integrate at any one time. Pascal-Leone further designed a new compound-stimuli visual information type of task for testing his theories quantitatively. The stochastic model used for his predictions was the Bose–Einstein occupancy model of combinatorial analysis.

Keywords

• Piaget
• Bose–Einstein
• Schemas
• Cognitive load
• Schemata
• Motoric responses
• Attending acts
• Set measure

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