PSYCH 120A Chapter Notes - Chapter 5.3: Phineas Gage, Frontal Lobe, Perseveration
Document Summary
Sets goals/priorities, choose strategies and controls sequence of cognitive processes. Needed whenever you want to avoid interference either from habits supplied by memory or habits triggered by situational cues. Maintains desired goal so that it guides actions, ensures mental steps are in correct sequence, monitor progress, shift plans. Asked to sort a deck of cards first according to color, later switch strategies to shape, etc. Frontal lobe damage perseveration error: tendency to produce same response over and over even when it"s plain that the task requires a change in response. Damage also leads to goal neglect: failing to organize behavior in a way that moves them toward their goals. Interference between tasks increases if tasks are similar to each other. Overlap in processing requirements compete for mental resources. Interference also seen in tasks that are entirely different, e. g. talking on phone + driving. More practice fewer resources required or less frequent use of resources.
