Week 11 Attention

Neuroscience of Learning: An Introduction to Mind, Brain, Health, and Education

Week 11: Attention Harvard University Extension School (PSYCE-1609) April 7, 2016 Julia Volkman, TA & ALM Candidate

Spring, 2016 1 Today’s focus

• Define attention • Review key attentional networks • Look at External Attention o Test our own visual attention o Define Flow • Look at Internal Attention o Default mode network • Talk about ADHD: Challenges & Benefits

Spring, 2016 2 We attend to the world outside and inside

• Sensory perception: What’s happening with/to our body • Internal attention: What are we thinking about, feeling, planning, or intending (goals), inner lanauge/self-talk

Spring, 2016 Chun, Golomb, & Turk-Browne, 2011 3 Definition

“Attention is a core property of all perceptual and cognitive operations. Given limited capacity to process competing options, attentional mechanisms o select, o modulate, and o sustain focus [vigilance] on information most relevant for behavior.”

Spring, 2016 Chun, Golomb, & Turk-Browne, 2011, p. 73 4 Definition

Attention and memory are the foundations of learning

Spring, 2016 Chun, Golomb, & Turk-Browne, 2011, p. 73 5 Definition

There is more going on out there than we can process!

Spring, 2016 Chun, Golomb, & Turk-Browne, 2011, p. 73 6 We don’t perceive everything that happens, only what we attend to Selective Attention Test

Spring, 2016 7 Simons & Chabris, 1999 We don’t perceive everything that happens, only what we attend to Gorilla Poll

Why didn’t we notice? Priming? What happens to information we don’t notice?

Spring, 2016 8 Simons & Chabris, 1999 Attention is both Bottom-up & Top-down

Spring, 2016 Miller & Buschman, 2013 9 Bottom-up & Top-down Poll

Spring, 2016 10 Competition for Visual Attention

Spring, 2016 11 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://journal.sjdm.org/7512/jdm7512.htm 12 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://journal.sjdm.org/7512/jdm7512.htm 13 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://journal.sjdm.org/7512/jdm7512.htm 14 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://journal.sjdm.org/7512/jdm7512.htm 15 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://journal.sjdm.org/7512/jdm7512.htm 16 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://journal.sjdm.org/7512/jdm7512.htm 17 What changed?

Spring, 2016 http://journal.sjdm.org/7512/jdm7512.htm 18 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/healey/PP/ 19 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 20 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/healey/PP/ 21 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 22 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/healey/PP/ 23 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 24 What changed?

Spring, 2016 http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/healey/PP/ 25 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av/18/gif/airplane.gif 26 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 27 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av/18/gif/airplane.gif 28 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 29 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av/18/gif/airplane.gif 30 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 31 What changed?

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av/18/gif/airplane.gif 32 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 33 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 34 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 35 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 36 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 37 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 38 What changed?

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 39 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 40 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 41 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 42 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 43 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 44 Watch carefully

Spring, 2016 45 What changed?

Spring, 2016 http://7e.biopsychology.com/av18.02.html 46 Change blindness

Looking is not the same as noticing…attention modulates perception

Spring, 2016 47 Damage to the attention network leads to “neglect” of visual input

• Seen in stroke patients with damage to right parietal lobe • Visual perception is intact • Patients don’t “see” that parts are missing in their drawings

Spring, 2016 http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mental-imagery/representational-neglect.html 48 There are many attention-related networks in the brain

Spring, 2016 Sylvester, et al. 2012 49 They do a lot of different things

• Fronto-parietal o Executive control • Cingulo-opercular o Saliency (error detection) • Ventral attention o Orienting to a particular location (“where” pathway) • Default mode o Self-referential; internal attention • Dorsal attention = “What” pathway (object identification) • Visual = Visual processing • Sensorimotor = Sensorimotor processing

Spring, 2016 Sylvester, et al. 2012 50 Attention networks

• Alerting

• Orienting

• Executive

Spring, 2016 Petersen & Posner, 2012 51 Alerting attention network

• Weeds out the competition! • Arousal • Reticular Activating System in brain stem • “Pay attention/Warning” signal releases NE

Spring, 2016 Petersen & Posner, 2012 (image of a macaque brain); Raz & Buhl, 2006 52 Orienting attention network

• Selection/Preference of input • Facilitates sensory processing • Dopamine and Norepinephrine help regulate

Spring, 2016 Arnsten, 2012; Petersen & Posner, 2012; Raz & Buhl, 2006 53 Executive attention networks

• Fronto-parietal network o Task initiation, switching, & adjustment o Self-Regulation: Cognitive control & inhibition…overlaps executive function • Cingulo-opercular network o Maintains task performance [vigilance and error detection] • Decision Making!

Spring, 2016 Petersen & Posner, 2012 54 Dopamine pathways influence attention

http://brainsupplements.org/nadh-benefits-brain-fog/ Spring, 2016 55 Ritalin keeps dopamine in the synapse

Spring, 2016 http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/ritalin/ 56 Attentional networks develop over time

Spring, 2016 Rueda, 2015 57 Network connectivity changes over time

Spring, 2016 Sylvester, et al. 2012 59 Attention is variable

• Genetic variations o Heritable o Dopamine-related genes

• Environmental/education variations http://brainsupplements.org/nadh-benefits-brain- fog/ o Controlling/intrusive parenting/teaching may decrease self regulation o Lower SES associated with lower alerting & executive attention scores • Training effect o Computerized programs o Meditation

Spring, 2016 Rueda, 2015 60 Attention varies within individuals

• Sleep deprivation • Cognitive load (but in cases of limited attention, emotions are prioritized) • Top-down attention is modulated by: o Emotional states o Goals or other internal factors o Competition o External events (e.g., loud noises)

Spring, 2016 Sörqvist, Stenfelt, & Rönnberg, 2012; Vuilleumier, 2005 61 Attention vigilance starts to fail after 24 hours of sleep deprivation

PVT = Psychomotor Vigilance Test

Spring, 2016 Lim & Dinges, 2008 62 Signs of Sleep Deprivation

Spring, 2016 Durmer & Dinges, 2005 63 Competing attention decreases sensory input

• Focusing on a sound (active listening) induced more auditory-evoked brain stem activity • Background listening while performing tasks with increased cognitive demand decreased auditory-evoked brain stem activity

Spring, 2016 Sörqvist, Stenfelt, & Rönnberg, 2012 64 Attention Restoration Theory: Can nature reset our information overload?

Spring, 2016 Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008 65 Influence of Emotions on top-down attention regulation

• The amygdala both receives visual input AND sends visual output back to visual processing areas • The amygdala influences visual processing • People pay more attention to emotional than neutral stimuli

Spring, 2016 Vuilleumier, 2005 66 We are social learners: Joint attention increases attention

First, make eye contact Then, follow the gaze

Spring, 2016 Oberwelland, et al., 2016 67 Sustaining Attention Requires Effort (top-down or executive attention)

Spring, 2016 68 Flow = Effortless, Complete Attention

• Complete Absorption in an Activity

• We perceive nothing else

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Spring, 2016 69 Our Brains like Effortless Complete Attention

“…a complete involvement that requires intense concentration of attention…” is perceived by our brains as rewarding.

Spring, 2016 Csikszentmihalyi, 2010 70 Flow Characteristics

1. Complete focus/attention 2. Ecstasy 3. Clarity ▪ Knowing what needs to be done and how to do it 4. Achievability ▪ Knowing you can do it 5. Serenity 6. Timelessness ▪ Hours pass as minutes 7. Intrinsic motivation ▪ No external reward

Spring, 2016 http://www.cognitivedissident.org/2009/0 71 8/christopher-mcdougall-born-to.html Flow matches skills and demands

• Goal well matched to your skills • Activity provides immediate feedback • Increasing concentration • Complete absorption in the task

Spring, 2016 72 Flow: Optimal Challenge & Skill

Spring, 2016 73 Flow: Optimal Challenge & Skill

Enter flow from here when you Push yourself to acquire new skill

Spring, 2016 74 Flow: Optimal Challenge & Skill

Enter flow from here when you Push yourself to acquire new skill

And here when you increase challenge

Spring, 2016 75 Flow: Optimal Challenge & Skill

X XX X

Spring, 2016 76 Flow Quiz #1

• Think about something you LOVE to do (e.g., play Moonlight Sonata on the piano, play tennis, research, etc.)

• On a scale from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest) rate that activity: • ___ How challenging is the activity • ___ What level of skill does the activity require? • ___ How immediate is the feedback?

Spring, 2016 77 Flow Quiz #2

• Think about something you are REQUIRED to do but don't enjoy (e.g., converse with a difficult person, balance your checkbook, jazzercize, etc.)

• On a scale from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest) rate that activity: • ___ How challenging is the activity • ___ What level of skill does the activity require? • ___ How immediate is the feedback?

Spring, 2016 78 Internal Attention

Spring, 2016 79 Default Mode Network = Effortless Switching of Attention

From External/task-based To Internal/reflective

Spring, 2016 80 DMN History

Hans Berger EEGs: Inventor of the EEG • Great with Timing • Originally, not so great with location (better now)

Spring, 2016 Raichle, 2010 81 DMN Uses Lots of Energy

Default Mode Brain Activity

100

80 Off Task % Energy 60 Consumption 40

Spring, 2016 82 DMN Uses Lots of Energy

•Overall brain activity (approx. 5% increase when on task)

100

80 On Task % Energy Consumption 60 Off Task

Spring, 2016 83 What do we do in Default Mode?

• DMN activity increases when we're not paying attention o Introspective imagining o Processing abstract information (theory of mind) o Daydreaming o Memory consolidation

o DMN is suppressed when attending to tasks/external stimuli

Spring, 2016 Immordino-Yang, 2012; Raichle, 2001; Raichle, 2010 84 POP QUIZ: DMN Active or Inactive?

Spring, 2016 8 5 POP QUIZ: DMN Active or Inactive?

Suppressed DMN

Spring, 2016 8 6 POP QUIZ: DMN Active or Inactive?

Spring, 2016 8 7 POP QUIZ: DMN Active or Inactive?

Active DMN

Spring, 2016 8 8 POP QUIZ: DMN Active or Inactive?

Spring, 2016 8 9 POP QUIZ: DMN Active or Inactive?

Suppressed DMN

The Default Mode Network is suppressed during the flow state

Spring, 2016 9 0 POP QUIZ:

Is Your DMN Active Right Now?

Spring, 2016 91 Conditions with Atypical DMN Activity

v ADHD/Impulsivity: Decreased DMN connectivity and activity; impaired DMN toggling (deactivation)

v Schizophrenia: Heightened DMN activity; Hyper DMN connectivity

v Autism: Weak, non-deactivating DMN

v Anxiety disorders: Increased frontal-parietal DMN connectivity; Decreased insula- cingulate DMN connectivity

v Depression: Increased thalamic/cingulate activity; Increased connectivity

v Alzheimer's: Decreased/Disrupted connectivity; Atrophy in the DMN

v Acute Pain: Activates the DMN

v Chronic Pain: Reduced DMN Deactivation

Spring, 2016 -Baliki, 2008; Etkin, 2009; Immordino-Yang, 2012; Minassian, 2012; Raichle, 2010; Uddin, 2008 92 Conditions with Atypical DMN Activity

v ADHD/Impulsivity: Decreased DMN connectivity and activity; impaired DMN toggling (deactivation)

v Schizophrenia: Heightened DMN activity; Hyper DMN connectivity

v Autism: Weak, non-deactivating DMN

v Anxiety disorders: Increased frontal-parietal Can you experience anxiety or DMN connectivity; Decreased insula- cingulate DMN connectivity depression when in the state of v Depression: Increased thalamic/cingulate activity; Increased connectivityflow?

v Alzheimer's: Decreased/Disrupted connectivity; Atrophy in the DMN

v Acute Pain: Activates the DMN

v Chronic Pain: Reduced DMN Deactivation

Spring, 2016 -Baliki, 2008; Etkin, 2009; Immordino-Yang, 2012; Minassian, 2012; Raichle, 2010; Uddin, 2008 93 Conditions with Atypical DMN Activity

v ADHD/Impulsivity: Decreased DMN connectivity and activity; impaired DMN toggling (deactivation)

v Schizophrenia: Heightened DMN activity; Hyper DMN connectivity

v Autism: Weak, non-deactivating DMN

v Anxiety disorders: Increased frontal-parietal DMN connectivity; Decreased insula- cingulate DMN connectivity

v Depression: Increased thalamic/cingulate activity; Increased connectivity

v Alzheimer's: Decreased/Disrupted connectivity; Atrophy in the DMN

v Acute Pain: Activates the DMN

v Chronic Pain: Reduced DMN Deactivation

Spring, 2016 -Baliki, 2008; Etkin, 2009; Immordino-Yang, 2012; Minassian, 2012; Raichle, 2010; Uddin, 2008 94 Can you experience flow if you have ADHD?

Spring, 2016 95 Pete Rose has ADHD

Pete Rose

Spring, 2016 96 ADHD

• A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by: ▪ Difficulty staying focused and paying attention ▪ Difficulty controlling behavior (impulsivity; inhibition delay) ▪ Hyperactivity (over-activity)

Spring, 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000; NIMH, 2013 97 ADHD Diagnosis

Spring, 2016 http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html 98 ADHD Diagnosis, part 2

Spring, 2016 http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html 99 Mirror traits: Challenges & benefits

Spring, 2016 http://www.hallowellnyc.com/HallowellNYC/LivingwithADD/BenefitsYesBenefitsofHavingADDA/index.cfm 100 ADHD celebrities

Michael Phelps, Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Timberlake, Musician

David Neeleman, Founder of JetBlue Airlines Katherine Ellison, Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Paul Orfalea, Founder of Kinko’s Spring, 2016 http://www.hallowellnyc.com/HallowellNYC/LivingwithADD/FamousPeopleWithADDADHD/index.cfm 101 ADHD Poll

Spring, 2016 102 How long is the attention span?

Spring, 2016 103 How long is the attention span?

• Julia thinks we don’t know… • The only study I’ve been able to find on this topic (Packard, 1970) is utterly unconvincing • Michael Posner emailed Tracey saying... o We can test attention span but that there are so many multiple pathways that it is hard to say we have X amount of attention o It depends on context, motivation, as well as which modality is matched with which activity

Spring, 2016 104 Adult ADHD and the DMN

• Patients: ▪ 20 adults with ADHD and 20 matched controls ▪ No other DSM diagnoses ▪ No psychotropic drug use/Stimulants allowed • Method: Resting State fMRI • Results: ADHD Patients had ▪ Decreased activity in precuneus/anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) ▪ Decreased connectivity among precuneus, vmPFC, anterior posterior cingulate cortex, and others

Spring, 2016 Castellanos, 2008 105 Childhood ADHD and the DMN

• Patients: ▪ 255 children and 316 controls from ADHD imaging database ▪ Some with, some without medication • Methods: Resting State fMRI • Results: ▪ Decreased precuneus connectivity with dorsal attention networks ▪ Decreased corticostriatal and parietal connectivity that may be related to impaired DMN inhibition

Spring, 2016 106 Tomasi, 2012 Childhood ADHD and the DMN

FCD = Functional Connectivity Density

Spring, 2016 107 Tomasi, 2012 Childhood ADHD and the DMN

FCD = Functional Connectivity Density

Spring, 2016 108 Tomasi, 2012 Is this the Sponge Bob vs. Caillou effect?

• If attention is treated as short, does it become short?

Spring, 2016 Lillard & Peterson, 2011 109 DMN Connectivity Predicts Impulsivity

• Patients: o 122 incarcerated juvenile offenders (ages 14 to 19) o 95 controls (ages 7 to 31) • Method: Resting state fMRIs • Results: o PMdr (premotor regions) functionally connected to attention networks in less impulsive patients/controls o PMdr functionally connected to DMN in more impulsive patients/juvenile offenders o PMdr connectivity shifts with typical development from DMN to attention networks (seen in controls) o Hypotheses: ▪ DMN connections are pruned during normal development ▪ Development of DMN is delayed in impulsive patients

Spring, 2016 Shannon, et al., 2011 110 Typical DMN Connectivity

Spring, 2016 1 Shannon, et al., 2011 1 1 Atypical DMN Connectivity in Impulsivity

Spring, 2016 1 Shannon, et al., 2011 1 2 Can we strengthen the DMN?

There is some evidence to support: • Constructive internal reflection: Relaxed mind- wandering/daydreaming; down-time • Task practice that co-activates targeted brain regions (to strengthen connectivity) • Effortful internal focus

See Julia’s recorded flow/DMN video for details!

Spring, 2016 113 Can we treat ADHD?

• The Main-Stream: o Parent-Training o Stimulant medication is used in over 56% of childhood ADHD cases in Europe ▪ 30.8% of patients had full symptom control ▪ 31.8% of physicians were very satisfied with treatment o Cognitive Behavioral Therapy o Psychological treatment o No difference between outcomes for behavioral and pharmacologic intervention (Zima, et al., 2010) • Alternative supports o Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids o Elimination diets o Meditation/mindfulness o Exercise o Sleep interventions

Spring, 2016 Hodgkins, et al., 2013; Murphy, et al., 2014; Nigg, et al., 2014; Perera, et al., 2012; Zima, et al., 2010 114 Evidenced-based Behavioral Therapies

Spring, 2016 Attention-Deficit S.O (2011) 115 Assessing sleep disorders in ADHD

Spring, 2016 Owens, 2009 116 No silver bullet

• Attention is not a unitary concept…it is all over the brain • So treatment should be multimodal

Spring, 2016 117 Mechanisms of attentional plasticity

Spring, 2016 Posner & Rothbart, 2010 118 Summary

Spring, 2016 119 Questions? And “3-2-1”

Please do “3-2-1” Assignment:

Spring, 2016 120 References

In the bundles…

Spring, 2016 121