Question

​in the information processing model, mental ____ refers to mental and neural structures that are built in and that allow the mind to operate, while mental ____ refers to mental processes that are the basis for performing particular tasks.

Answer 1

The correct answers are hardware; software.

Answer 1: Mental hardware refers to physical structures that are inbuilt and allow our mind to operate. These physical structures include areas of our brain, the interaction between brain areas, synaptic connections, neurotransmitters, etc. According to the information processing model, physical structures of our brain allow us to think, make decisions and process information. 

Answer 2:According to the information processing model, mental software refers to processes our mind uses to retrieve, manipulate and recall information. Mental software, unlike mental hardware does not involve the direct use of physical areas or functioning of the brain. Instead, it involves thoughts and other cognitive processes that are indirectly associated with brain areas and functioning. 

Answer 2

The information-processing theory proposes that human cognition consists of mental hardware & mental software.
In the information processing model, mental hardware refers to mental and neural structures that are built in and that allow the mind to operate, while mental software refers to mental processes that are the basis for performing particular tasks.