A recent computational and neural model, called PBWM (prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia WM model), relies on actively maintained representations in the prefrontal cortex which are dynamically updated/gated by the basal ganglia ( Hazy, Frank, & O'Reilly, 2006). The standard model of WM ( Baddeley, 1986) can no longer accommodate many empirical findings, and an alternative has been suggested: WM functions arise through the recruitment, via attention, of brain systems that have evolved to accomplish sensory-, representation-, and action-related functions ( Postle, 2006).
#Backward digit span norms series#
Attention is considered a complex system of interacting circuits that allow the filtering of relevant and irrelevant information within the context of internal and external stimuli.Ī series of functional models of attention have been proposed (see Banich, 2004 Cohen, 1993). In fact, attention overlaps with the executive function of WM ( Baddeley, 1986, 2003), so many existing tests of attention are a combination of attentional and executive functions. Classification of these tasks is controversial and they may appear under different headings, for example, attention, working memory (WM), or executive tests. Many attentional tasks are multifactorial and overlap with other neuropsychological domains such as executive functions and memory, including components such as inhibition, switching capacity, or mental tracking ( Strauss et al., 2006). Attention, Problem-solving, Wechsler scales, Demography, Educational status, Reference values IntroductionĪttention is a very important aspect of neuropsychological assessment ( Lezak, Howieson, & Loring, 2004), and attentional disorders affect a significant number of brain-injured patients ( Strauss, Sherman, & Spreen, 2006).