06_Attention_B55_02

Lecture Objectives

Distinguish between early and late selection theories of attention.
Conceptualize evidence gathering for these theories using neuroimaging techniques.
Distinguish the roles of the attentional and default mode networks.
Explain the face/house paradigm for studying attentional modulation via fMRI and EEG, especially in aging adults.
Articulate how frontal lobe damage may increase distractibility.
Identify the importance of attention in the Stroop task.
Describe mental tasks that engage the default network and their dysfunction arising effects.
Identify target features in an introduction and develop a schema for content analysis.

William James (1842-1910): Attention takes possession of one thought while withdrawing from others, implying focalization and concentration.
Key Questions: How and when does attention affect processing? Where does the information processing limit get implemented?

Filter Theory (Broadbent, 1958): Explains how early selection models cope with excessive information.
- Early-Selection Model: Suggests that attentional filtering occurs at the sensory input stage, modulating what information is processed.

Electroencephalography (EEG): Useful for studying attentional processing.
- P1 Component: Occurs approximately 100 ms after stimulus presentation; linked to visual processing, originates from extrastriate cortex.
- N1 Component: Occurs between 150-200 ms; associated with visual processing; found across multiple recording sites.

Studies: Hillyard & Annlo-Vento (1998) and Hillyard et al. (1973) explored early-selection models.
Late-Selection Model: Explains processing through the attenuation theory (Treisman, 1964) to address challenges like the cocktail party effect.

Subtraction Method: [Active Attentional Task] - [Taking a Mental Break] reveals components of the attentional network.
- Central Executive (CE): Controls attention; significant for understanding network functionality.
- Default Mode Network (DMN): Active during rest, provides insight into attentional shifts.

Posner’s Spatial Cueing Paradigm explores how cues direct attention, indicating goal-directed attentional processing methods.

Study Insights: Gazzaley et al. (2005) demonstrate brain activity variations during attentional tasks for faces and places.
Activity Increase in the Frontal Lobe: Observed in individuals with frontal lobe damage, leading to increased distractibility and processing demands.

Increasing interest in the DMN's role across various mental functions has prompted detailed investigations into its degradation in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

Goals of an Introduction: 1) Set context; 2) Identify knowledge gaps; 3) Describe current study's contributions; 4) Propose hypotheses.
Navigating Introductions: Break down each paragraph for comprehension, synthesize key ideas in notes, focus on core arguments.

Take it one paragraph at a time, summarize each to ensure understanding.
Pay attention to the active role of the prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) in learning and retrieving information.
Explore examples of research studies to strengthen understanding and effective application of conceptual knowledge.