Application: Perception, Attention, and Short-Term Memory Deficits

Consider the earlier example of short-term memory loss: of entering a room and forgetting your reason for doing so. Also consider distortions of perception and attention from last week.

Individuals can experience difficulty recognizing an object, focusing their attention, or maintaining their short-term memories. Such examples are routine: they occur among many individuals whose brain function resides within the realm of "normal."

Consider the potential effects on perception, attention, and short-term memory function by damage to different areas of the brain. Also consider the notion that these processes are core elements of higher-level cognitive functions such as language, capacity for abstract thought, and ability to construct plans. These critical brain activities depend on perception, attention, and memory.

For this Application Assignment, you explore effects of psychological and traumatic conditions on cognitive functioning.

The Assignment: (5-7 pages)

Select one of the following conditions: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injury, stroke, or autism.

Explain the nature of the conditions in terms of the following cognitive functions: perception, attention, and short-term memory.

Explain effects of medications or other strategies to address one or more of these cognitive functions.

Support your Application Assignment with at least five original, peer-reviewed sources, in addition to any course material used in its preparation.

You are to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.