Unit 12: Attention

Question 1

What is the Flexible Central‑Capacity Theory of Attention?

Answer 1

Attention is a single, central resource with a limited but flexible capacity
The amount of attention available can expand or contract based on task difficulty
Multiple tasks can be performed at the same time if their combined attentional demands do not exceed capacity
When task demands exceed capacity, performance in one or both tasks declines

Example:

Walking + texting ✅ (low demand)
Walking on ice + texting ❌ (capacity exceeded)

Question 2

What is Multiple Resource Theory of attention?

Answer 2

Attention is made up of multiple, separate resource pools, not a single central one
Tasks interfere more when they use the same type of resource
Tasks interfere less when they use different resources

Question 3

what are the key resource dimensions of the multiple resource theory

Answer 3

Input/Output modalities: vision, limbs, speech

Stages of processing: perception, memory encoding, response output

Codes of processing: verbal vs spatial

Response type: manual, spatial, vocal, verbal

Question 4

What is the dual‑task paradigm?

Answer 4

A research method used to assess attentional demands of a task
Involves performing a primary task (task of interest) and a secondary task
Performance is measured:

On each task separately
Then on both tasks simultaneously

A drop in performance indicates that attentional capacity has been exceeded
Reveals how much attention a task requires and how attention is allocated

Question 5

What is a probe secondary task in the dual‑task paradigm?

Answer 5

A secondary task that is performed briefly at specific moments during the primary task
Used to assess attentional demands at different stages of performance
Performance decrements indicate when attentional capacity is reached
Helps identify which parts of a movement require the most attention

Question 6

what are the two secondary task classifications

Answer 6

probe and continuous

Question 7

What is the action effect hypothesis?

Answer 7

Actions are more effective if they are planned according to their intended outcomes compared to planning according to the movement patterns

Question 8

What is dual‑task cost?

Answer 8

A measure of the performance change when two tasks are performed simultaneously compared to a single task
Indicates the cost of dividing attention across tasks
A larger dual‑task cost means greater attentional demand

Formula:
Dual‑taskcost=Dual‑taskperformance−Single‑taskperformance/Single‑taskperformance

Question 8

What is a continuous secondary task in the dual‑task paradigm?

Answer 8

A secondary task performed continuously throughout the entire primary task
Used to assess overall attentional demands across the full movement
Performance worsens when attentional capacity is exceeded
Reflects total attentional load, not stage‑specific demands

Question 9

What is the Constrained Action Hypothesis?

Answer 9

An internal focus of attention constrains the performer to consciously control movement
This disrupts automatic motor control processes that normally regulate skilled movement
An external focus of attention allows automatic control processes to operate more effectively
As a result, external focus typically improves performance, especially in skilled performers

Question 10

What is automaticity in motor performance?

Answer 10

Automaticity is the ability to perform a movement without requiring conscious attention to that movement
Automatic movements require minimal attentional resources
Automaticity is acquired through practice
It exists on a continuum, not as all‑or‑none

Question 11

How are attention and automaticity related, and what brain areas are involved?

Answer 11

Highly automatic skills require less attention
Less automatic (novice) skills require more attention
Automatic motor control is associated with activity in:

Supplementary Motor Area (SMA)
Basal ganglia (putamen and globus pallidus)

Increased automaticity allows attention to be redirected to other tasks