Module 9: Attention and Perception

Question 1

What are the Core Executive Functions?

Answer 1

1) Inhibitory control (Attention)
2) Working Memory
3) Cognitive Flexibility (Creativity)

Question 2

What are the Higher ordere Executive Functions?

Answer 2

1) Problem Solving
2) Planning
3) Reasoning

Question 3

What is the difference between the Endogenous Attention System and the Exogenous Attention System?

Answer 3

1) Endogenous Attention System:
- Top-Down
- Voluntary selection of stimuli and responses
- Controlled by Dorsal System

2) Exogenous Attention System
- Bottom-Up
- Stimulus driven attention
- Controlled by Ventral System (localized to thee RIGHT)

Question 4

What is the role of Angular Gyrus (AG) for the Attention Systems respectively?

Answer 4

The Angular Gyrus can prioritize either pathway depending on context.

1) Can prioritize Ventral System to orient attention outwards (Exogenous). Ex: when a loud noise distracts you from studying.
2) Can detect internal self produce signals (Endogenous) and Dorsal stream will then be prioritized with the inhibition of the Ventral stream.

Question 5

What happens when the Angular gyrus is unregulated?

Answer 5

• Confusion between what is internal and external (hallucinations, delusions)
• Out of body experiences

Question 6

Leaky Sensory Gating is related to Exogenous Attention being prioritized. Define it.

Answer 6

Sensory sensitivity and poor ability of blocking out irrelevant stimuli.

Question 7

Flexible Attention is related to Endogenous Attention being prioritized/developed. Define it.

Answer 7

Lets people control/switch between broad and focused levels of attention.

Question 8

How can both Leaky and Flexible Attention thrive (resulting in creativity)?

Answer 8

With High Cognitive Control.

Question 9

What is the key factor that differentiates a difference from a disorder in the case of attention?

Answer 9

Cognitive Control. Low control w/ Leaky Attention can be linked to psychopathology.

Question 10

Explain Contralateral Neglect.

Answer 10

Selectively ignoring/neglecting one side of space - usually the left.

Question 11

Which side of space do people with Contralateral Neglect neglect and why?

Answer 11

The left - because of attention systems are lateralized to our right hemisphere.

Question 12

What causes Contralateral Neglect?

Answer 12

• Strokes
• TBIs
• Alzheimer’s

Question 13

What are some symptoms of Contralateral Neglect?

Answer 13

• Difficulty with attention and perception of 1 side of brain.

Question 14

Are symptoms of Contralateral Neglect able to be explained by vision/motor impairments?

Answer 14

No, because it is not a sensory issue - it is related to attention.

Question 15

Describe the 2 main forms of spatial neglect (although it is a spectrum).

Answer 15

1) Viewer centered
- left and right based on viewer’s midline
- as if left side does not exist - their entire visual view is only the right, and it feels as though nothing is missing

2) Object centered
- left and right based central axis of stimulus
- can identify entire visual field but ONLY attention on right side.
- can mirror right image onto left.

Question 16

What’s the difference between the Intrinsic brain system (default mode) and the Extrinsic brain system?

Answer 16

1) Intrinsic brain system (default mode):
- Reflective, internally driven
- Media and Pre-frontal cortex
- Thinking in stories, putting moments of the past and future together
- Even when we do nothing, we are doing this

2) Extrinsic brain system:
- External stimuli driven
- Back of brain and Top of brain (occipital and parietal?)
- Focus on outside stimulus (school, writing, etc.)

Question 17

Can the two brain systems work simultaneously?

Answer 17

No! They work like see-saws though, in that they co-regulate learning and result in high cognitive performance when they work consecutively.