pre-frontal cortex

Question 1

Supervisory Attention System (SAS)

Answer 1

Norman & Shallice (1980) - suggests the PFC is required when cognitive control of executive function is needed.

Question 2

Weakness of the SAS theory?

Answer 2

Explains what is controlled but doesn’t explain how control is exercised. What controls the controller?

Question 3

Evidence for inhibition

Answer 3

Right inferior frontal cortex seems to be important for response inhibition (Aron et al., 2003; Li et al., 2006; Lunge et al., 2007)

Question 4

How is inhibition controlled?

Answer 4

Seems to be driven by attention (right anterior frontal gyrus) (Hampshire, 2010) - top down bias signals, originating from frontal cortex, seem to modulate activation in visual cortex (Taylor et al.,2006)

Question 5

Does the PFC play a role in working memory?

Answer 5

Linden et al. (2011) - EM storage and PFC activation; Riggall et al. (2012) - relationship between WM storage and elevated activity.

Question 6

Conclusions?

Answer 6

PFC has a multifaceted role in a range of functions - most seem to be modulated by the focus of attention which stems from bias signals generated in the PFC.