Cognitive Science Program. Hierarchical Distributed Networks in the Neuropsychology of Selective Attention.
Abstract
How does the brain perform cognitive tasks? This chapter approaches the general issue by outlining a computational model of visual-spatial attention. Studies of alert animals, brain injured patients and normals suggest that components of this model are performed by separate cortical and midbrain systems which are orchestrated to produce covert attentional shifts. These findings suggest a distributed network view of visual-spatial orienting with the cognitive operations performed in different anatomical locations. Attention to visual, auditory and tactile modalities appear to involve separate anatomical systems at the lowest level. At a higher level attention can be allocated to a common cognitive system for spatial location. Studies of non-visual spatial attention suggest that this higher level also involves the parietal cortex. Further studies suggest the presence of attentional systems which go beyond any single cognitive domain (e.g. spatial). However, our results show that attention to non-spatial language information does not involve the parietal system so important for spatial orienting. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA157540
Entities
People
- Michael I. Posner
Organizations
- University of Oregon