ann morrison, ph.d.. definition network of controls over brain performance, including mental...
TRANSCRIPT
Attention
Definition Network of controls over brain
performance, including mental energy, processing of incoming information, & regulation of output
Source: All Kinds of Minds
Attention
There are many different types of attention
People who have typical attention can apply the correct type of attention to various situations
People who struggle with attention have trouble applying the correct type of attention to a situation
Attention System
Mental Energy
• Alertness• Mental
exertion• Energy flow• Sleep/arousal
balance
Processing Controls
• Saliency Determination
• Processing Depth-Detail
• Cognitive Activation
• Focal Maintenance
• Satisfaction Level
Production Controls
• Previewing• Self-
monitoring• Pacing• Facilitation
and inhibition
All Kinds of Minds
Important Idea for Assessment
Is a child’s poor attention the source of the problem or a manifestation of another problem? Is a child’s poor attention due to
inefficient neurobiology that impacts attention (frontal lobe issues) or is it a manifestation of another issue?
Examples could include: anxiety, distress, events, disinterest, etc.
Mental Energy Controls
Alertness Vigilance for intentional intake of
information Mental exertion
Energy allocation for cognitive work Energy flow
Reliability of cognitive energy supply Sleep/arousal imbalance
Regulation of sleep/wake cycles
All Kinds of Minds
Processing Controls (input)
Saliency Determination Discrimination between more & less important inputs
Processing Depth-Detail Intensity of focus for interpreting & storing incoming
stimuli/information Cognitive Activation
Using incoming information to trigger new ideas & connect with prior knowledge & experience
Focal Maintenance Appropriately sustaining, transitioning, & dividing focus on
incoming information Satisfaction Level
Capacity to focus on activities or topics yielding only moderate or low levels of excitation; relative need for intense stimulation & gratification
All Kinds of Minds
Production Controls (output)
Previewing Anticipation of likely outcomes
Self-monitoring Observing one’s own output & work
Pacing Working or acting at a rate that is appropriate
to the task, without rushing Facilitation and inhibition
Appropriate response inhibition; consideration of options for action, suppression of ill-advised output prior to acting or starting a task
All Kinds of Minds
Stroop Task
Take out a piece of scratch paper and something to write with
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/ready.html
I will put up two pages of words that are written in various colors
To yourself, say the names of the colors as accurately and quickly as you can
Note and record your time when you finish
Interference
The Stroop task demonstrates the effect of interference in the reaction time of a task
In learning, the interaction between new skills or knowledge and existing skills or knowledge
Transfer to Practice
What are some school-based examples of interference that may slow learning for children?
What can teachers do to minimize interference?
Task Switching Experiment
Third trial: if the paper is purple, note whether it is odd or even, if the paper is green note whether it is greater or less than 5
Switch Cost
The speed and accuracy of alternating tasks 1 and 2 are slowed considerably compared to the speed and accuracy of performing tasks 1 and 2 sequentially