Remedies for Procrastination Flashcards
Why do we procrastinate when faced with tasks we don’t want to do?
Thinking about tasks we dislike activates the insular cortex, which processes pain signals, making us avoid the task to remove the discomfort.
Why are race-car students often among the worst procrastinators?
They get used to tasks being easy and rely on last-minute preparation, which works until they encounter more challenging material.
What challenges do race-car students face when transitioning to harder material?
They struggle to adapt because they haven’t developed effective study habits to match the difficulty of the material.
Why might race-car students find it harder to break the procrastination habit?
They often don’t face the negative consequences of procrastination until much later in their academic journey, making the habit more ingrained.
How do hikers compensate for their smaller working memory?
They create extensive and well-practiced links in their long-term memory to reduce the load on their working memory.
Why does procrastination cause problems for hiker students?
Hikers need more time to build long-term memory links, so procrastination prevents them from preparing adequately.
Why is procrastination particularly harmful to “superstar” students?
While they might ace a test with last-minute cramming, they struggle with tests requiring deep understanding because they lack long-term memory links.
Why does deep learning take more time than memorization?
Deep learning involves making creative, new neural connections, which requires time to test and solidify effective connections.
What happens during deep learning when neural connections don’t work?
The brain tests out different sets of connections, sometimes dramatically different ones, to understand the concept.
What is the difference between focused and diffuse modes of thinking?
Focused mode involves intense concentration to solve problems, while diffuse mode allows subconscious, random connections to form.
What is diffuse mode thinking?
It’s the subconscious process of making random neural connections, often occurring during activities like daydreaming, walking, or sleeping.
Why is toggling between focused and diffuse modes essential for learning?
It helps the brain form creative new connections, a process that takes time and is disrupted by procrastination.
How might research help optimize transitions between focused and diffuse modes?
Research may find techniques, such as specific breathing patterns, to help shift between the two modes more efficiently.
