Performance and skill

Question 1

What is automatic processing

Answer 1

The activation of the nodes that nearly always become active in response to a particular input configuration

Question 2

What is the most salient feature of an automatic process?

Answer 2

Process to occur in the absence of control and attention by the subject

Question 3

How do most automatic processes operate?

Answer 3

Through a relatively permanent set of associative connections.

Question 4

What are cognitive tasks that demonstrate automatic processing?

Answer 4

Stroop task, visual search task

Question 5

What does the stroop task refer to?

Answer 5

A delay in reaction times between congruent and incongruent stimuli.

Question 6

Describe the different processes in the stroop task theory

Answer 6

Word reading - automatic process
Colour naming - controlled process

Question 7

What is the visual search task?

Answer 7

• Typically consists of buttons (other stimuli can be used) some of which are shaded to look as if they have 3D properties
• Some buttons are shaded so they look like flat 2D shapes
• We automatically detect depth (visual depth perception is innate) so automaticity to detect depth in 3D shapes
  Demonstrates the popout phenomena

Question 8

What are practice factors that affect automaticity?

Answer 8

Extensive practice, consistent practice, attention during practice

Question 9

What is an action slip?

Answer 9

When a habitual action intrudes when performing another task