key term - Global workspace theory

Definition

Global workspace theory posits that consciousness arises from the interaction of various cognitive processes within a global workspace, which acts as a central hub for information access and integration. This theory suggests that information becomes conscious when it is broadcasted to various cognitive systems, allowing for coordination and interaction among different mental functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global workspace theory was developed by Bernard Baars in the 1980s and provides a framework for understanding how conscious experience is generated.
2. According to this theory, only information that is deemed relevant or important gets broadcasted to the global workspace, making it available for further processing by different cognitive systems.
3. The theory emphasizes the importance of attention in determining which information enters consciousness, highlighting how attention acts as a gatekeeper.
4. Research in neuroscience supports global workspace theory by showing that conscious awareness is associated with widespread brain activation patterns across various regions.
5. Global workspace theory also helps explain phenomena such as the 'attentional blink,' where briefly presented stimuli can be missed if attention is focused elsewhere.

Review Questions

• How does global workspace theory explain the relationship between attention and consciousness?
  • Global workspace theory explains that attention serves as a crucial filter that determines what information gains access to consciousness. Only information that captures our attention can enter the global workspace, where it is broadcasted to various cognitive systems. This filtering process is essential because it allows us to focus on relevant stimuli while ignoring distractions, ensuring that our conscious experience reflects what is most pertinent at any given moment.
• Discuss the implications of global workspace theory for understanding cognitive processes like memory and perception.
  • Global workspace theory implies that memory and perception are interconnected processes influenced by what information is available in the global workspace. When certain memories or perceptual experiences become conscious, they can be actively integrated with other cognitive functions, such as problem-solving or decision-making. This integration facilitates complex behaviors and responses, showing how our conscious experience shapes our interaction with the world around us.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of global workspace theory in explaining consciousness compared to other theories.
  • Global workspace theory offers a compelling framework for understanding consciousness as an emergent property arising from the interplay of various cognitive processes. Its strength lies in its ability to account for empirical findings from neuroscience regarding brain activation patterns during conscious awareness. However, it faces limitations as it does not fully address the subjective quality of conscious experiences or explain how non-conscious processes influence behavior. Compared to other theories like integrated information theory, which emphasizes the richness of subjective experience, global workspace theory may be seen as too focused on functional aspects without capturing the essence of consciousness itself.

Related terms

Consciousness: The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings.

Working Memory:

A cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and processing information needed for complex tasks like learning, reasoning, and comprehension.

Attention: The cognitive process of selectively focusing on specific stimuli or information while ignoring other stimuli, playing a crucial role in determining what enters the global workspace.