In Dodge's processing model, what sequence describes how social information is handled?

In Dodge's processing model, what sequence describes how social information is handled?

• A. Code, compare, retrieve
• B. Retrieve, code, compare
• C. Compare, code, retrieve
• D. Code, retrieve, compare

Answer: (A)

In Dodge’s processing model, understanding social information unfolds in a specific order: you first code (encode) the social cues you observe, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and other observable signals. Once these cues are coded, you interpret them by comparing the new information to your past experiences, knowledge, and schemas to judge the likely intent and meaning of the situation. After this interpretation, you retrieve potential responses from memory—considering different actions you might take and evaluating them before choosing how to respond. This sequence fits because you can’t interpret cues or pull possible responses without first having a coded representation of what you observed. Retrieval of possible actions after interpretation ensures the response is grounded in how you understood the situation. The other orders would place retrieval before cues are encoded or would skip the necessary interpretive step, which isn’t consistent with how Dodge describes processing social information.

In Dodge’s processing model, understanding social information unfolds in a specific order: you first code (encode) the social cues you observe, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and other observable signals. Once these cues are coded, you interpret them by comparing the new information to your past experiences, knowledge, and schemas to judge the likely intent and meaning of the situation. After this interpretation, you retrieve potential responses from memory—considering different actions you might take and evaluating them before choosing how to respond.

This sequence fits because you can’t interpret cues or pull possible responses without first having a coded representation of what you observed. Retrieval of possible actions after interpretation ensures the response is grounded in how you understood the situation. The other orders would place retrieval before cues are encoded or would skip the necessary interpretive step, which isn’t consistent with how Dodge describes processing social information.