Module 3 - Attention

Question 1

input attention

Answer 1

• alertness/arousal
• orienting reflex
• spotlight attention and search

Question 2

controlled attention

Answer 2

• selective attention
• mental resources/conscious processing
• supervisory attentional system

Question 3

the central executive

Answer 3

• attentional controller

Question 4

what are the two components of the central executive?

Answer 4

1. semi-automatic conflict-resolution system (without conscious awareness)
2. supervisory attentional system (intervenes when automatic conflict resolution is not possible)

Question 5

orienting reflex

Answer 5

reflexive redirection of attention towards an unexpected, novel stimulus

Question 6

default mode network

Answer 6

• set of brain structures that are more active when we are idle
• consists of medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and angular gyrus

Question 7

pre-attentive processing

Answer 7

before the focus of attention is brought to a stimulus

Question 8

post-attentive processing

Answer 8

once attention is focused on a stimulus

Question 9

selective attention

Answer 9

the ability to select certain stimuli in the environment to process, ignoring other information that is irrelevant to the task

Question 10

zoom lens model

Answer 10

• when attention is broad, processing is slower

- when attention is narrow, processing is quicker

Question 11

spotlight model

Answer 11

• spotlight can be aimed at stimuli of interest

- area outside of the spotlight is unattended

Question 12

dual task methods

Answer 12

• requires participants to do two tasks simultaneously

- manipulate conditions to observe the effects on attention

Question 13

dual task

Answer 13

there are two tasks happening at the same time and they must be performer concurrently

Question 14

multitasking

Answer 14

multiple tasks have to be completed during the same interval, but the individual can shift back and forth between them as needed

Question 15

psychological refractory period

Answer 15

there is a period of time after presentation of a stimulus where a second stimulus cannot be processed

Question 16

capacity theory

Answer 16

we have a set capacity for attention, and if limits are exceeded task failure will occur

Question 17

what does the extent to which two tasks interfere with each other depend on?

Answer 17

• sensory modality

- output required

Question 18

controlled processing

Answer 18

• conscious control
• intentional
• attentionally inefficient

Question 19

automatic processing

Answer 19

• no conscious control
• not intentional
• attentionally efficient

Question 20

action slips

Answer 20

absentminded mistakes made while engaging in automatic processing

Question 21

loss-of-activation error

Answer 21

you go to do something and forget what you wanted to do

Question 22

description error

Answer 22

you carry out the action, but with the wrong object

Question 23

data-driven error

Answer 23

external events result in some unintended behaviour

Question 24

capture error

Answer 24

a very similar schema is activated so you engage in an incorrect version of a behaviour

Question 25

associative activation error

Answer 25

your intention to do/say something activates a related but inappropriate schema

Question 26

attentional blink

Answer 26

period of time after detection of a visual stimulus during which another stimulus can’t be detected

Question 27

inattentional blindness

Answer 27

failure to notice something because attention is engaged in some other task

Question 28

change blindness

Answer 28

failure to notice a change in the environment