Module 3 - Attention Flashcards
input attention
- alertness/arousal
- orienting reflex
- spotlight attention and search
controlled attention
- selective attention
- mental resources/conscious processing
- supervisory attentional system
the central executive
- attentional controller
what are the two components of the central executive?
- semi-automatic conflict-resolution system (without conscious awareness)
- supervisory attentional system (intervenes when automatic conflict resolution is not possible)
orienting reflex
reflexive redirection of attention towards an unexpected, novel stimulus
default mode network
- set of brain structures that are more active when we are idle
- consists of medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and angular gyrus
pre-attentive processing
before the focus of attention is brought to a stimulus
post-attentive processing
once attention is focused on a stimulus
selective attention
the ability to select certain stimuli in the environment to process, ignoring other information that is irrelevant to the task
zoom lens model
- when attention is broad, processing is slower
- when attention is narrow, processing is quicker
spotlight model
- spotlight can be aimed at stimuli of interest
- area outside of the spotlight is unattended
dual task methods
- requires participants to do two tasks simultaneously
- manipulate conditions to observe the effects on attention
dual task
there are two tasks happening at the same time and they must be performer concurrently
multitasking
multiple tasks have to be completed during the same interval, but the individual can shift back and forth between them as needed
psychological refractory period
there is a period of time after presentation of a stimulus where a second stimulus cannot be processed
capacity theory
we have a set capacity for attention, and if limits are exceeded task failure will occur
what does the extent to which two tasks interfere with each other depend on?
- sensory modality
- output required
controlled processing
- conscious control
- intentional
- attentionally inefficient
automatic processing
- no conscious control
- not intentional
- attentionally efficient
action slips
absentminded mistakes made while engaging in automatic processing
loss-of-activation error
you go to do something and forget what you wanted to do
description error
you carry out the action, but with the wrong object
data-driven error
external events result in some unintended behaviour
capture error
a very similar schema is activated so you engage in an incorrect version of a behaviour
associative activation error
your intention to do/say something activates a related but inappropriate schema
attentional blink
period of time after detection of a visual stimulus during which another stimulus can’t be detected
inattentional blindness
failure to notice something because attention is engaged in some other task
change blindness
failure to notice a change in the environment
