University:
Eastern Kentucky University
Course:
PHY 317 | Cognitive Psychology
Academic year:

2021
Views:

83

Pages:

2
Author:

Accinkiquicpqw

Cognitive Psychology Notes Module 6: Attention 2 Location vs. Object-Based Attention  Location-Based Attention o Models (spotlight, zoom lens, multiple spotlights) focus on spatial locations o Question: Is attention always location-based, even when focusing on objects?  Object-Based Attention: o Valid Condition: Target appears where attention is cued. o Invalid Conditions:  Same Object: Target on the same object but different location.  Different Object: Target on a different object o Key Idea:  If only location-based, reaction times should be equal for invalid conditions.  Faster reactions to same-object targets suggest attention can be object-based. What Controls Attention?  Exogenous (Bottom-Up) Attention: o Drawn by external stimuli (e.g., noise, movement). o Controlled by: Ventral system (superior temporal gyrus, anterior insula, fusiform gyrus, midsingular gyrus).  Endogenous (Top-Down) Attention: o Directed by conscious choice (e.g., reading). o Controlled by: Dorsal system (intraparietal sulcus, parietal lobules, middle frontal gyrus).  Note: Exogenous and endogenous systems involve different brain regions. What is Attention?  Selecting specific information from the environment to focus on, while ignoring other details.  Quote: “Focalization, concentration, of consciousness are of its essence.” Link Between Attention and Consciousness  Attention: Helps focus on an object.  Consciousness: Brings awareness to the object’s attributes.  Question: Can we be conscious of something without paying attention to it?  Idea: Attention and consciousness might have separate functions, but they often overlap. Consciousness  3 Key Components: o Sentience: Subjective awareness. o Access to Information: Ability to report experiences. o Self-Knowledge: Awareness of oneself. What Are Attention and Consciousness For?  Attention: Selects specific items for processing (e.g., focusing in noise).  Consciousness: Summarizes selected information for planning and decision-making.  Key Question: Can you have consciousness without attention? Testing Attention vs. Consciousness  Study (Reddy et al., 2006): o Central Task: Are all letters the same? o Peripheral Task: Is this a picture of Tom Cruise? o Findings:  Good performance on face recognition despite distraction.  Conclusion: Conscious recognition is possible without focused attention, which suggests attention isn't always necessary for conscious perception.