Homework I

Action: Typing a password on the computer screen.

Aim : To reflect upon the thought processes/mental representations formed and the sensory inputs required during the execution of above
 action. Also to introspect on the ease with which the task is done.

Mental and Physical Steps:
 1. The white space on the screen with a cursor blinking that reads ‘Type Your Password’ triggers a mental process in the brain. There are
 mental representations in our brain which ascribe each password to a particular computer screenshot. Thus the visual input of the screen
 activates the set of neurons to recall the correct password mapped to the computer screen in specific areas of the brain.

 2. In case I do not frequently use some password, retrieval of the correct one from a set of passwords may take place though a serial or parallel
 search mechanism. The assumption is primarily motivated by the fact that in this case it takes a bit more while and chances of typing a wrong
 password are more.

 3. Next the finger presses the first letter of the password and automatically the fingers are tuned to type the rest of the letters. These set of
 motor instructions are transmitted to the fingers by the brain. Based on the current position of the finger and the next letter to be typed, the
 brain sends output impulses to the fingers to traverse in linear direction as well turn to a different angular position. It was noticeable that I am
 not consciously aware of the password before typing it. It is only after I have typed a letter that I am consciously aware about it. So it is quite
 possible that the visual screen, the password and the oriented movement of fingers are all mapped together sequentially and the various inputs 
 at various stages generate the next output.

 4. If accidently we press a wrong key, our fingers automatically halt. Thereby it is indicated that the brain continuously keeps monitoring the
 expected and actual outcomes of any process.


The ease and accuracy of the process depends a lot on the complexity of the password and physical state of our motor system. For instance
 while in a hurry, I have a tendency to stumble with my fingers. It is also evident that a password consisting of special characters with numbers
 and alphabets may require a complex set of motor instructions for the movements of fingers. Also the spontaneity breaks with a transition from
 the alphabets/numbers to special characters because we need to use ‘Shift’ key which is not frequently used.
                                                                                                    

ANKUR AGRAWAL | Y9103