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MENTAL MODEL · M6836

Supervisory Attentional System

Supervisory Attentional System
Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Psychology
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Updated 2026-08-09

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INTRODUCTION

English translation pending.

CORE DEFINITION

Norman and Shallice proposed that cognitive control operates on two levels. Contention scheduling handles well-learned, routine action sequences automatically and in parallel. The supervisory attentional system intervenes when a task is novel, complex, conflicting, or dangerous, exerting deliberate, goal-directed control over behaviour. Because the supervisory system draws on limited attentional resources, skilled performance is normally delegated to automatic routines, and only situations that fall outside the existing scripts require its involvement.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Use script check: ask whether a ready routine already covers the task at hand. - Use deliberate takeover: engage conscious control when conflict, novelty, or danger appears. - Use automation release: hand routines back to automatic control once they are fully mastered.

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Anchor fast decisions

Norman and Shallice separate two control levels. Contention scheduling runs skilled, routine action sequences automatically, while the supervisory attentional system steps in when a task is novel, complex, conflicting, or dangerous and applies deliberate, goal-directed control. Routine behaviour is scheduled in parallel, and only situations beyond the existing script consume the limited attention the supervisory system commands.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervisory_attentional_systemZH · Explicit
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