Conscious and unconscious aspects of task representations affect dynamic behavior in complex situations

Abstract

Cognitive control is the term applied to the set of processes that allow us to adapt our behavior to a changing environment and evolving goals. Much of the research on cognitive control is conducted using relatively simple experimental tasks. In this review, we propose an integrative account of cognitive control to more complex task situations. Specifically, we relate cognitive control theories from the laboratory to situations where people attempt to comprehend a narrative through watching films. We also incorporate how changes or breakdowns in control lead to mind wandering. To accomplish this integration, we rely on the concept of task representation. That is, we propose that changes in activation across a complex mental representation of a "task," incorporating knowledge about relevant stimulus, response, motivational, and other representations may explain conscious and unconscious behavior across a wide variety of real-world situations.