Lecture 26 Flashcards
Why is there a difference in the distribution of labor between subcortical and cortical structures in the generation of eye movements?
The distribution of labor reflects evolutionary differences in the complexity of behavior. Frogs, with a higher proportion of subcortical neurons, exhibit more reflexive behaviors, while humans, with a larger cortex, engage in more complex voluntary actions.
Do we consciously perceive all sensory stimuli that activate our sensory receptors? Explain.
No, we do not consciously perceive all sensory stimuli. The overwhelming quantity of sensory input would overload our system if we were aware of every stimulus.
How does attention affect perception, and what is the potential cost associated with attention?
Attention can facilitate perception by focusing on specific stimuli. However, attending to one part of the visual field may lead to neglecting other parts.
What factors determine what we pay attention to, both externally and internally?
Attention is determined by external factors (exogenous influences) and internal factors (endogenous influences).
What is the difference between overt and covert shifts of attention?
Overt shifts of attention involve eye movement, while covert shifts of attention redirect attention without moving the eyes.
How does the brain respond when attention is directed to a stimulus’s location compared to elsewhere?
When attention is directed to the stimulus’s location, there is a stronger neural signal in response to that stimulus, indicating enhanced processing.
Explain the difference between exogenous and endogenous shifts of attention.
Exogenous shifts are reflexive and triggered by external stimuli, while endogenous shifts are voluntary and internally initiated.
What is facilitation in the context of attention, and how does it affect responses to stimuli?
Facilitation occurs when directing attention to a location reduces the response latency to a subsequent target at that location, making responses quicker.
What is inhibition of return, and why is it considered beneficial for efficient visual search?
Inhibition of return delays responses to a target at an attended location when there is a long delay between attention and the target’s appearance. It encourages efficient visual search by discouraging repeated orienting toward recently attended locations.
How does the flanker task assess the efficacy of strategic control over attention?
The flanker task assesses distractibility by measuring the difference in reaction times (RTs) between congruent and incongruent trials, known as the flanker effect.
Why is aging associated with worse driving performance, and what role does distractibility play in this?
Aging is linked to age-related increases in distractibility, which can contribute to worse driving performance among older individuals. Distractibility can impact attention and reaction times while driving.
How does inhibition of return relate to driving performance?
Research suggests that stronger inhibition of return is associated with better driving performance, as it discourages returning attention to previously attended locations, potentially reducing distractions while driving.
