When grading the exam, the experienced teacher had few problems reading the student's sloppy handwriting because she had asked this question before and knew in advance what the student was likely to write. This example shows most clearly the importance of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Top-down processing involves using background knowledge, expectations, or prior knowledge to interpret new information. In this case, the teacher's experience and knowledge of what the student was likely to write helped her understand the sloppy handwriting.  The teacher is using conceptual information based on past experience that comes from higher mental processes and affects interpretation of sensory input.

When Grading the Exam, the Experienced Teacher Had Few Problems