cross cultural introduction lecture
The Himba
Load Theory (Lavie 1995)
dominant attentional theory
Assumptions
resolution to early/late selection debate
- attentional resources have a limited capacity
- task relevant stimulus are processed before task irrelevant stimuli
- all attentional resources have to be used up
Assumptions mean: if the task relevant stimuli uses all of the attentional resource then none of the task irrelevant stimuli (distractors) will be processed
increased perceptual load increases ability whereas increased cognitive decreases ability
From Northern Namibia
Illiterate
Traditional self-sufficient living
Rueda et al., 2004
flanker ability linked to temperament
self control "reflects efficiency with executive attention"
Flanker task
used to asses EF
test of conflict resolution
Diamond et al., 2007
executive/attentional control functioning predict and account for unique variance in academic outcome more robustly than IQ
Linnell et al., 2013
remote peoples do not have enhanced WM capacity but do have enhanced EF (until they move to town)
McGilchrist 2009
simple intervention can improve EF, teaching EF skills positively correlates with more accurate flanker responses
Educational endowment foundation (EEF)
launched in 2011
aims to raise attainment of disadvantaged children
the highest impact for least cost focuses on mindfulness and self regulation
Perhaps executive function can be improved by changing motivational or emotional factors
perhaps we have different modes of attention evolved for different purposes in different types of scenarios or environments
left hemisphere: focused vs right hemisphere: open
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