三要素相互作用模型强调表征、加工和控制在认知活动中的作用,并将表征区分为内部表征和外部表征,加工区分为自动加工和受控加工,控制区分为自动控制和意识控制,提出认知活动具有四种性质:表征的复杂性和变化性,加工的简单性和程序性,控制的有效性和灵活性,以及其他因素(如文化、情绪、动机和个性等)的作用。基于上述观点,开展了一系列实验研究,取得了一些成果。
The three-element interaction model (TIM) focuses on the interaction of representation, processing, and control on cognitive activities. Representation includes internal representation and external representation, processing includes automatic processing and controlled processing, and control includes automatic control and conscious control. There are four characteristics in cognitive activities: complexity and variability of representation, simplicity and programming of processing, validity and flexibility of control, and the role of other factors (e.g., culture, emotion, motivation, and personality). A series of studies based on the TIM were completed.