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...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences and Readings
Deluca, J., & Kalmar, J. H. (2008). Information processing speed in clinical populations. New York: Psychology Press.
Donders, F. C. (1868). Die Schnelligkeit der psychischer Prozesse. Archiv für Anatomie und Physiologie, 657–681.
Donders, F. C. (1969). On the speed of mental processes. Acta Psychologica, 30, 412–431.
Salthouse, T. A. (1985). A theory of cognitive aging. Amsterdam: North-Holland.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this entry
Cite this entry
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
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1321
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57110-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences