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Information Processing Speed

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology

  • 29 Accesses

Synonyms

Cognitive processing speed; Processing speed

Definition

Information processing speed (IPS) is a measure of the efficiency of cognitive function. It is assessed using timed tests that typically challenge relatively simple cognitive operations. IPS is expressed in terms of reaction time, the time required to complete a series of operations, or the number of items answered correctly in a set period of time. Clinical instruments designed to assess IPS range widely from simple reaction times to more complex measures, such as the Processing Speed Index of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales.

Historical Background

IPS is one of the oldest constructs studied in psychology. The first example of systematic research on IPS was conducted by Fransisco Donders during the 1860s. Donders developed a straightforward, but revolutionary, method of calculating differences in reaction times to measure the “speed of mental processes.” He demonstrated that more complex cognitive demands resulted in...

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References and Readings

  • Deluca, J., & Kalmar, J. H. (2008). Information processing speed in clinical populations. New York: Psychology Press.

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  • Donders, F. C. (1868). Die Schnelligkeit der psychischer Prozesse. Archiv für Anatomie und Physiologie, 657–681.

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  • Donders, F. C. (1969). On the speed of mental processes. Acta Psychologica, 30, 412–431.

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  • Salthouse, T. A. (1985). A theory of cognitive aging. Amsterdam: North-Holland.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Lawrence H. Sweet

Authors
  1. Lawrence H. Sweet
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lawrence H. Sweet .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    Jeffrey S. Kreutzer

  2. Kessler Foundation, Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ, USA

    John DeLuca

  3. Independent Practice, Wynnewood, PA, USA

    Bruce Caplan

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Sweet, L.H. (2018). Information Processing Speed. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1321

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