270115 Competition and priority control in mind & brain (S) (WiSe 2011/2012)

Two key features of attentional processes in perception are competition and priority control (“biased competition” framework). Recently, it has been emphasized that these two key features are also a characteristic of memory and action control. Based on this perspective, the seminar will attempt to review and discuss experimental evidence for this claim. Central will be a recent taxonomy paper on attention by Chun et al. (2011) – the guideline text of the seminar. The seminar language will be English – basic (not advanced) skills in reading, writing, presentation, and discussing are presupposed. Original research papers related to the Chun et al. text will be read, presented, and discussed. Each participant should be in charge of one seminar session including a presentation (powerpoint, etc.) and a discussion section.

Requirements for participation, required level

This seminar will be mainly offered to MSc students of Psychology that have selected courses in cognitive neuroscience (e.g., modules X and Y) during their BSc studies. Knowledge about the basics of action control, perception, memory, and about experimental methods is presupposed (see, e.g., Gazzaniga, M. et al., 2008, Cognitive neuroscience: The biology of the mind. Norton).

Bibliography

Chun, M. M., Golomb, J. D., & Turk-Browne, N. B. (2011). A taxonomy of external and internal attention. Annual Review of Psychology, 62(1), 73-101.