Ch 10: How are attention and executive functions structured

Question 1

Broadbent’s Bottleneck theory

Answer 1

All info is processed parallel up to the bottleneck, after which only the relevant info is further processed and the noise signals are omitted

Question 2

Behavioural and task level: two aspects of selectivity

Answer 2

focused attention
divided attention (not multitasking, but quickly switching between tasks)

Question 3

Shiffrin and Schneider: two information processing processes

Answer 3

1. the (conscious, slow) controlled information processing –> requires executive skills
2. the (unconscious, fast) automatic processing –> makes it possible for tasks to be performed simultaneously without disruptive factor of interference

Question 4

Alertness

Answer 4

the receptivity of the central nervous system to stimulation

Question 5

phasic fluctuations

Answer 5

short-term changes that are mainly introduced by the situation

Question 6

tonic fluctuations

Answer 6

occur over longer periods of time and are determined by the state of the organism rather than by the situation

Question 7

Neuroanatomical model of attention (Posner & Petersen): 3 functional attention networks

Answer 7

1. vigilance network (alertness): brainstem, locus coeruleus, intralaminar thalamic nuclei, right hemisphere
2. posterior attention network (focusing of visuospatial attention): posterior parietal cortex, pulvinar, superior colliculus
3. anterior attention network (active selective detection of info): frontal part of cingulum, supplementary motor cortex

Question 8

Mental schema theory executive control (Norman & Shallice)

Answer 8

all human thinking and actions are the result of activated mental schemes (programs or routines) that are activated by the most relevant external stimuli

Question 9

Excitability of the schemes depends on 3 factors

Answer 9

1. competition selection
   
   • assumes that selection of schemes is an automated process and depends on the strength of the scheme
2. lateral modulation
   
   • means that one schedule influences other schedules: it can suppress or facilitate
3. supervisory attentional system (SAS)
   - conscious choice is required to select the schemas

Question 10

Miyake Friedman Emerson Witzki Howeter: three separate executive components

Answer 10

1. mental flexibility (shifting)
2. inhibition
3. updating of the working memory

Question 11

Which brain areas play an important role in brain functioning?

Answer 11

• prefrontal cortex
• basal ganglia
• cerebellum
• parietal cortex

Question 12

How are impairments in attention and executive functioning caused?

Answer 12

• oxygen deficiency
• brain tumor
• brain inflammation
• neurological disorder
• traumatic brain injury
• neurodegenerative disorders: e.g. Parkinson