33. When encountering an unfamiliar word, the reader uses phonics knowledge, adjacent words, sentence context and background information simultaneously to guess its meaning to help interpret the text. This illustrates _____.
(A) schema processing
(B) parallel processing
(C) bottom-up processing
(D) automatic processing

Term

How it Works

Analogy

Schema Processing

Using pre-existing knowledge structures (schemas) to make sense of new experiences.

Walking into a new restaurant and knowing to wait for a host because you have a "restaurant schema."

Parallel Processing

The ability of the brain to process multiple bits of information (color, shape, motion) at the same time.

Seeing a red ball flying toward you and simultaneously noticing its speed, color, and trajectory.

Bottom-Up Processing

Starting with raw sensory data and building up to a final concept without using prior expectations.

Looking at a series of black lines and curves until your brain realizes they form the letter "A."

Automatic Processing

Doing a task without conscious thought because it has been practiced so many times.

An experienced driver steering a car while having a conversation; the driving happens "on autopilot."