Attention, Memory and Executive functions Flashcards
What is the definition of attention?
To be awake
having an overview over ones surroundings
focus on what is important and relevant in that situation.
It is like a spotlight
What are executive functions?
They regulate attention, plan and supervise actions and inhibit impulses
What are the first stages of early attention development?
- (0-2m)
Children have attention, but difficulties in shifting attention. - (3-6m)
Orientation in the environment, attention shifts, faster processing - (7-…m)
Children need longer time to get familiar with a complex input.
How could one describe the development of attention in babies (first year)
Control of attention goes from external to internal.
During the first year the child gets better at regulating emotions through regulating attention.
Attention becomes social (parents react and babies start noticing others attention)
How does attention develop during the lifespan?
In the early school age the child gets more control over attention and filtering stimuli.
What makes attention easier?
When it is perceived as relevant or meaningful.
What are examples how attention (what one pays it to) is connected to personality?
A shy child might easier sense rejection
An aggressive child might easier sense others being agressive
What are the different types of Memory?
Short term memory (seconds)
Working memory (7±4)
-> towards a task
-> Connects to long term memory
Long term memory (infinite)
-> cued recall
-> free recall
How does memory develop in the early stages of development?
Duration increases (1s -> 30s)
Amount increases (1obj->3obj)
Longterm memory increases
Less repetition is required and the repetition window becomes bigger.
6m:
Memory becomes less situational/more abstract
-> Children can move themselves
–> Knowledge needs to be transferred
What are some central thoughts of the attention, memory and executive functions chapter in developmental psychology?
Some tasks/test are easier for the child, when they are made relevant for them (like a playing situation they are familiar with)
-> Fluency?
How does the short term memory develop (for numbers)?
2 obj - 2 years
4 obj - 5 years
5 obj - 7 years
6 obj - 12 years
7 obj - Adult
How does language influence memory?
Preverbal experiences are more difficult to describe for children when they became verbal.
Language is important for organization of happenings.
What is a script?
What is special with a scripts narrative?
A script is a mental representation of what normally happens in a certain context.
Scripts are usually told as “you” + present, not “me” and past.
What is a autobiographic memory
A memory of something the person has experienced themselves.
It is usually memorized better.
How does autobiographic memory change around 2 years.
It goes from telling very little to a lot. The content stays mostly the same (sparse)
