Abstract: he three-element interaction model (TIM) focuses on the interaction of representation, processing, and control on cognitive activities. Representation includes internal representation and external representation，processing includes automatic processing and controlled processing, and control includes automatic control and conscious control. There are four characteristics in cognitive activities: complexity and variability of representation, simplicity and programming of processing, validity and flexibility of control，and the role of other factors (e.g., culture, emotion, motivation, and personality). A series of studies based on the TIM were complete

Key words: representation, process, control, three-element interaction model (TIM)