Cognitive Models

Cognitive Models

1. Executive Function

   • Supervisory Attentional System
     • Arousal
     • Selective Attention
     • Switching
     • Norman & Shallice, 1986
   • Frontal Lobes but wider networks implicated.
     • Prefrontal cortex - especially for sustained attention
   • Neuroimagiing has shown common netwrok of activity across all tasks - Neuropsychological tests with multi-component structure (e.g. EF) are unlikely to identify unique patterns of brain activity that correlate perfectly with specific 'domains'. (Poor construct validity)
   • EF Cognitive Models
     • Switching/ Inhibition/ Updating Model
       • Miyake et al, 2000
     • Executive System Hypothesis (Hierarchy/ central executive)
       • Baddeley, 1990
   • Regulation (Behaviour/Emotion)
   • Switching
   • Impulse control
     • Inhibition
       • Difficult to measure as a construct
   • Updating
     • Goal Directed Behaviour
       • Establish NEW behaviour
         • Deficits better understood by observing behaviour? Functional assessments.
       • Introspection
   • Cognitive flexibility
   • Planning
   • Organising
   • Problem Solving
   • Creative thinking
   • Phineas Gage
   • Working Memory
     • Baddeley & Hitch, 1974
     • Cowan, 1995; McElree, 2006
     • Visual and Auditory

2. Attention

   • Sustained Attention
     • Each construct of attention is defined by its operation but not related to any specific neural substrate
       • NO known overall neural construct of attention - not associated with functional neuroanatomical substrate
         • SensoriMotor Network (SMN) only identified area at present. All others based on lesion data:
           • Parietal Lobe indicated in disengaging attention
             • Inattention resulting from right posterior hemisphere lesions
       • Measures testing the same construct do not correlate highly with each other.
       • Attention Cognitive Models
         • Three Component Model; Alerting, Orientating Executive Control
           • Fan & Posner, 2004
         • Independent system vs integrated with "information processing"
         • Two-factor attention (Reflex and voluntary)
           • James, 1890
       • Wasserman & Wasserman, 2013
   • Visual and auditoryl Attention
   • Shifting Attention
   • Top down and Bottom up
   • Vigilence
   • Working Memory

3. Memory

   • H.M. case
   • Declarative / Explicit
     • Semantic
     • Episodic
     • Recall
     • Recognition
   • Nondeclarative / Implicit
     • Item-specific (e.g. priming)
     • Procedural
   • Memory Cognitive Models
     • Three stage model of declarative memory
       • McCaugh, 1966
       • Registration
         • Short Term
           • Long Term
     • Multicomponent Model
     • State-based models
   • Working Memory
     • Acts as the link between attention and short term memory in the pursuit of specific goals
   • Short term memory indicated in inferior parietal lobe
     • Normal learning and retention disrupted in temporal lesions
       • Hippocampal complex

4. General Models

   • Dynamic view of brain organisation (Novelty vs Heuristic processing)
     • Cortical Systems are multifunctional - don't support only one specific cognitive process.
   • Static view of brain organisation (e.g. hemispheric; left = language, right = visual perception and seven network model)
   • Cattell- Horn- Carroll (CHC) model
     • Carroll, 1993
   • Four major classes of cognitive functions; Receptive, memory, thinking, expression.
   • General Intelligence (g)
     • Terman, 1916
     • No longer seen as 'one intelligence' - implication of other independent factors (e.g. processing speed and attention).
     • Combination of domain scores risks losing information - unreliable indices of injury severity or deteriation.