Information processing: a critical literature review and future research directions

This conceptual paper concerns information processing, and focuses on the methods and mechanisms used by marketers and academics in attempting to explore mental processes, particularly regarding perception and cognitive mapping in relation to marketing communications. The paper reviews the extensive literature in this domain, deriving information and models from a wide variety of disciplines including: cognitive information processing, attitudes and attitudinal change, elaboration and receiver involvement, sub-routines and sub-processors, semiotics, cognitive science and psycholinguistics. We conclude by suggesting that each of these disciplines has a role to play in terms of future research direction, and that the field of information processing still provides a rich and fertile basis for significant developments to take place.