Lecture 5 - Common coding theory and focus of attention

Common coding theory

This theory also explores the role of focus of attention, including where should you focus your attention to optimise motor control and learning. Simply, external focus is better than internal focus.

Charaterisation of common coding theory

In this theory, the idea is that directing our focus onto the effects of the action promotes the activation of the action codes, thus making it more effective to plan our actions with its effect in mind rather than a set of movements.

Action-effect principle

It suggests that our actions are represented in terms of their external effect. Thus, our action are planned in terms of their sensory/external consequences.

Action induction paradigm

Click onset (auditory) is faster than tap onset (tactile), which means tap onset follows or lags begin the click onset.

Selective attention

Since our ability to focus on things is limited, we have to choose certain things to maintain attention on.

Misplaced attention

This is when you focus on irrelevant aspects of a situation/task.

Refractory period

This is a temporary period during which a physiological process or system is not responsive to additional stimuli.

Simon-effect

This suggests that our actions are faster if our response and stimulus share the same locations

Internal focus

This is when you focus on your own body movements. (e.g., how your whole arm moves the mouse)

External focus

This is when you focus on the effects of your movements (e.g., how does moving my arm affect my crosshair placement).

Common coding hypothesis

This claims that external focus is more in line with representations involved in motor planning, thus less cognitive load

Constrained action hypothesis

This states that external focus promotes more automatic control processes (auto pilot), thus less cognitive load