In cognitive psychology, a set of theories derived from formal automata theory originally put forward by John von Neumann (1903-1957) at the Hixon symposium (1948). Such theories make the distinction between that which controls (a controlling device) and that which is controlled (a controlled system). Broadly speaking, they contain one of three types of models: cybernetic (closed-loop) models, algorithmic (open-loop) models, or some combination of the two. Furthermore, processing is depicted as taking place via series of step- or stage-like cognitive and perceptual operations. However, just what constitutes ‘information’ remains obscure. In recent years, these models have been challenged by those derived from connectionist models and dynamical systems approaches.
See Closed-loop and open-loop control, Cognitive psychology, Connectionism, Connectionist models, Constraint, Covert attention, Cybernetics, Dynamical systems approaches, Hierarchical models of motor control, Hixon symposium, Information, Paradigm shift, Stimulus-driven development