In the information-processing approach, what term is used to describe the "sensing" stage of cognition?

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Study for the University of Central Florida (UCF) DEP2004 Developmental Psychology Final Exam. Get ready with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Excel in understanding developmental stages and theories!

In the information-processing approach, the term used to describe the "sensing" stage of cognition is "input." This stage refers to the initial phase where sensory information is received from the environment through our senses—such as vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Once this information is sensed, it can then be processed and interpreted by the mind, leading to a response or action.

This concept is foundational in understanding how we interact with our surroundings and how cognitive processes begin. Input serves as the starting point for all subsequent cognition, making it a critical aspect of the overall information-processing model. The effectiveness of cognitive functioning largely hinges on the quality and accuracy of the input received, which then influences how information is processed and remembered.