Attention
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Attention is one of the most researched cognitive functions and, historically, is one of the most difficult to define. Four characteristics of attention make it a primary cognitive function for CFD therapy:
- Structurally it is transcranial. That is to say, there is no single structure within the brain that gives rise to attention. Rather attention arises from the integrated, timed, parallel interaction of different structures located in discrete regions throughout the brain. [1] [2] [3] Because of its transcranial nature, developing attention will necessarily stimulate development and efficiency across many brain centers.
- Functionally it is many-facetted. The historical approach to studying attention is to analyze its contextual operations: selective, divided, sustained, and alternating attention. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [7] One or more contextual operations of attention are involved in every aspect of cognition and therefore plays a vital role in the manifestation of other cognitive functions.
- Operationally it is comprised of interacting networks. The attentional networks – which themselves are transcranial – include alerting, orienting, and executive control. [1] [2] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] These network operations play a critical role in selecting relevant information, disregarding the irrelevant, achieving goals, and so forth.
- It gives rise to higher-order functions and even consciousness.[11] [12]
Neurology of Attention
Narrative – should reference external research
- ^ 1.0 1.1 1.2 McDowd, Joan M. (September 2007). “An Overview of Attention: Behavior and Brain.” Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. vol. 31, no. 3, pp 98-103. Article Link.
- ^ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sarter, Martin, et. al. (May 2001). “The Cognitive Neuroscience of Sustained Attention: Where top-down meets bottom-up.” Brain Research Reviews. vol. 35, no. 2, pp 146-160. Article Link.
- ^ Moore, Robert Davis, et. al. (November 26, 2015). “The Persistent Influence of Concussion on Attention, Executive Control and Neuroelectric Function in Preadolescent Children.” International Journal of Psychophysiology. vol. 8, no. 4, pp 339-354. Article Link.
- ^ 4.0 4.1 McAvine, Laura P., et. al. (July 2012). “Sustained Attention, Attentional Selectivity, and Attentional Capacity Across the Lifespan.” Attention Perception & Psychophysics. vol. 74, no. 8. Article Link.
- ^ Lavie, Nilli, et. al. (September 1, 2004). “Load Theory of Selective Attention and Cognitive Control.” Journal of Experimental Psychology, General. vol. 133, no. 3, pp 339-354. Article Link.
- ^ 6.0 6.1 Fisher, Anna and Heidi Kloos (September 1, 2004). “Development of Selective Sustained Attention: The role of executive functions.” Executive Functions in Preschool-Age Children: Integrating measurement, neurodevelopment, and translational research ; J. A. Griffin, P. McCardle, & L. S. Freund (Eds.), pp 215-237. Chapter Link.
- ^ 7.0 7.1 Commodari, Elena (August 2007). “Novice Readers: The Role of Focused, Selective, Distributed and Alternating Attention at the First Year of the Academic Curriculum.” i-Perception. vol. 8, no. 4, pp 1-18. Article Link.
- ^ Rapport, Mark D., et. al. (August 24, 2013). “Do Programs Designed to Train Working Memory, other Executive Functions, and Attention Benefit Children with ADHD? A meta-analytic review of cognitive, academic, and behavioral outcomes.” Clinical Psychology Review. vol. 33, no. 8, pp 339-354. Article Link.
- ^ Fougnie, Daryl. (2008). “Chapter 1 The Relationship between Attention and Working Memory.” New Research on Short-Term Memory ; Noah B Johannsen. Chapter Link.
- ^ Kiyonaga, Anastasia and Tobias Egner (December 2012). “Working Memory as Internal Attention: Toward an Integrative Account of Internal and External Selection Processes.” Psychonomic Bulletin & Review. vol. 20, no. 2. Article Link.
- ^ Taylor, J. G. (December 2007). “CODAM: A neural network model of consciousness.” Neural Networks. vol. 20, no. 9, pp 983-992. Article Link.
- ^ Taylor, J. G. (January 2008). “On the Relationship between Attention and Consciousness.” Journal of Psyche. vol. 14, no. 1. Article Link.
