Lecture 5 Flashcards
attention
involves a process of selection where the performer juggles several ongoing lines of thinking, with each competing for current resources in our consciousness (James, 1890)
- attention is active, directive, and dynamic
- attention is limited
- attention is related to the demands of the task
attention capacity: 2 types
- Simple task:
- a simple task and a more complex task: attentional capacity is maximized
ex) walking and talking - Complex task
- two complex tasks in combination: attentional capacity is minimized (not efficient in either task)
ex) texting and driving
dealing with overload capacity
input stimulus identification response selection movement programming output
- what elements do we attend to?
- learning when/how to shift attention to various aspects of our environment
- plan future aspects
- what happens if there is interference during these stages?
stimulus identification phase and interference
- parallel processing: 2 or more streams of info can be processed at the same time without interference from one to the other
- when attentional resources are maximized, we are required to switch attention between competing sources
the stroop effect
“the cocktail party effect”
-dichotic listening task: 2 stimuli presented at the same time
out ability to focus on one conversation in an environment that is loud or noisy with many things potentially competing for our attention
sustained attention
- during long durations of info processing- attention tends to… decrease over time
- inattention blindness: we scan our environment but do not see events in the video (passing basketball video with gorilla)
- where might this occur in our everyday lives? Not seeing a friend while driving
what affects our sustained attention
(military research) fighter plane
- can be affected by several factors:
1. motivation of the operator
2. Arousal level (high pressure/ high stress)
3. Fatigue
4. Environmental factors (temp, noise)
controlled processing
- slow
- attention demanding (both demand attention, and lots of it)
- serially organized (discrete tasks put together)
- are volitional (voluntary)
- effortful
automatic processing
- highly practiced people/skills
- processing seems more automatic, requiring less attention
- fast
- not attention demanding
- parallel processing
- involuntary, and often unavoidable
automaticity is the result of
an enormous amount of practice
- reading
- a 2nd language
- with automaticity, other info can be processed and produced in parallel without disrupting the task
types of skills and automacity
-what is the relationship between processing and then following types of skill?
closed skill: predictable environment- automatic processing would be easier because you know all the info in advance ex) diving
open skill: unpredictable environment
how can we develop automacity? 2 ways
-requires practice, lots and lots of practice!
-will it occur quickly? No
2 ways:
1. Consistent mapping- ex) the red light means stop
2. Varied mapping – ex) button layouts on different brands of TV remotes
movement programming
- in the final phase of info processing-motor system must still be organized
- our response to the stimulus must be adjusted at various levels
- a changing environment (think opponent) can cause delays/interference
delayed movement response
-psychological refractory period
movement response is interrupted movement response is re-organized- and is now successful
focus of attention 2 ways:
- Internal focus of attention- monitoring an ongoing movement- during skill performance
- External focus of attention- directing attention to an external target-during skill performance (9/10 most effective performance)
