Chapter 5: Cognitive Control & Working Memory Flashcards
Cognitive Control
ability to orchestrate thought and action in accordance with internal goals
Cognitive Load
Cognitive burden caused by holding in info in the working memory. More difficult, more cognitive load
Cognitive Overlap
Degree to which the demands of simultaneous tasks compete for the same mental resources
Dual-task experiments
Requires participants to do two tasks at the same time
Cognitive Interference
When task load is high or when two tasks overlap, performance suffers as a consequence
Automatic Processes
Performing a task that requires minimal cognitive effort
Controlled Processes
Performing a task that requires more cognitive effort
Working Memory
A brain system for temporary storage and manipulation of info necessary for cognitive tasks
Storage
A capacity that helps sustain access to info after it is no longer available in perception
Manipulation
Ability to use or manipulate info in working memory
Central executive
Primary system for controlling attention and thinking. Responsible for manipulating info in working memory
Phonological loop
Stores and rehearses speech-based info
Visuospatial sketchpad
Stores and manipulates visual information
Episodic buffer
Integrates info from multiple internal sources into an episodic representation
Working Memory Capacity
What impacts cognitive control and working memory?
- Emotional regulation and rumination
- Ego depletion
Emotional regulation
The ability to manage, modulate, and later one’s emotions
Rumination
When you focus too much on your negative thoughts
Ego depletion
When you use up mental energy for self control, it becomes harder to control yourself and think clearly afterwards
