Bernard J. Baars

Senior Fellow in Theoretical Neurobiology Bernard J Baars

Using entertaining examples of the mind in action, an eminent psychologist explores current scientific theories of the mind and shows how consciousness works like a stage in which thoughts and perceptions are examined by an inner audience. UP.

The Workspace of the Mind

In the Theater of Consciousness

a beginner's guide

Fundamentals of cognitive neuroscience

The Cognitive Revolution in Psychology

Bernard Baars suggests a way to specify empirical constraints on a theory of consciousness by contrasting well-established conscious phenomena with comparable unconscious ones, such as stimulus representations known to be preperceptual, unattended or habituated. By adducing data to show that consciousness is associated with a kind of workplace in the nervous system, Baars helps clarify the problem.

A Cognitive Theory of Consciousness

William P. Banks

James B. Newman

Current thinking and research on consciousness and the brain.

Essential Sources in the Scientific Study of Consciousness

Whereas most humans spend their time trying to get things right, psycholo gists are perversely dedicated to error. Errors are extensively used to in vestigate perception, memory, and performance; some clinicians study errors like tea leaves for clues to unconscious motives; and this volume presents the work of researchers who, in an excess of perversity, actually cause people to make predictable errors in speech and action. Some reasons for this oddity are clear. Errors seem to stand at the nexus of many deep-psychological questions. The very concept of error presupposes a goal or criterion by comparison to which an error is an error; and goals bring in the foundation issues of control, motivation, and volition (Baars, 1987, 1988; Wiener, 1961). Errors serve to measure the quality of performance in learning, in expert knowledge, and in brain damage and other dysfunctional states; and by surprising us, they often call attention to phenomena we might otherwise take for granted. Errors also seem to reveal the "natural joints" in perception, language, memory, and problem solving-revealing units that may otherwise be invisible (e. g. , MacKay, 1981; Miller, 1956; Newell & Simon, 1972; Treisman & Gelade, 1980).

Exploring the Architecture of Volition

Experimental Slips and Human Error

Nicole M. Gage

A textbook for psychology, neuroscience, pre-medical students, and everybody interested in the neuroscience of cognition. A wave of new research is transforming our understanding of the human mind and brain. Many educational fields now require a basic understanding of the new topic of cognitive neuroscience. However, available textbooks are written more for biology audiences than for psychology and related majors. This text aims to bridge that gap. A background in biology of neuroscience is not required. The thematic approach builds on widely understood concepts in psychology, such as working memory, selective attention, and social cognition. Edited by two leading experts in the field, the book guides the reader along a clear path to understand the latest findings. FEATURES: Written specifically for psychology, pre-medical, education and neuroscience undergraduate and graduate students The thematic approach builds on on accepted concepts, not presuming a background in neuroscience or biology Includes two Appendices on brain imaging and neural networks written by Thomas Ramsoy and Igor Aleksander Introduces the brain in a step-by-step, readable style, with gradually increasing sophistication Richly illustrated in full color with clear and detailed drawings that build the brain from top to bottome, simplifying the layout of the brain for students Pedagogy includes exercises and study questions at the end of each chapter Written specifically for psychology, pre-medical, education and neuroscience undergraduate and graduate students The thematic approach builds on on accepted concepts, not presuming a background in neuroscience or biology Includes two Appendices on brain imaging and neural networks written by Thomas Ramsoy and Igor Aleksander Introduces the brain in a step-by-step, readable style, with gradually increasing sophistication Richly illustrated in full color with clear and detailed drawings that build the brain from top to bottom, simplifying the layout of the brain for students Pedagogy includes exercises and study questions at the end of each chapter, including drawing exercises

Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience

Cognition, Brain, and Consciousness

Cognition, Brain, and Consciousness, Second Edition, provides students and readers with an overview of the study of the human brain and its cognitive development. It discusses brain molecules and their primary function, which is to help carry brain signals to and from the different parts of the human body. These molecules are also essential for understanding language, learning, perception, thinking, and other cognitive functions of our brain. The book also presents the tools that can be used to view the human brain through brain imaging or recording. New to this edition are Frontiers in Cognitive Neuroscience text boxes, each one focusing on a leading researcher and their topic of expertise. There is a new chapter on Genes and Molecules of Cognition; all other chapters have been thoroughly revised, based on the most recent discoveries. This text is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in Psychology, Neuroscience, and related disciplines in which cognitive neuroscience is taught. New edition of a very successful textbook Completely revised to reflect new advances, and feedback from adopters and students Includes a new chapter on Genes and Molecules of Cognition Student Solutions available at http://www.baars-gage.com/ For Teachers: Rapid adoption and course preparation: A wide array of instructor support materials are available online including PowerPoint lecture slides, a test bank with answers, and eFlashcords on key concepts for each chapter. A textbook with an easy-to-understand thematic approach: in a way that is clear for students from a variety of academic backgrounds, the text introduces concepts such as working memory, selective attention, and social cognition. A step-by-step guide for introducing students to brain anatomy: color graphics have been carefully selected to illustrate all points and the research explained. Beautifully clear artist's drawings are used to 'build a brain' from top to bottom, simplifying the layout of the brain. For students: An easy-to-read, complete introduction to mind-brain science: all chapters begin from mind-brain functions and build a coherent picture of their brain basis. A single, widely accepted functional framework is used to capture the major phenomena. Learning Aids include a student support site with study guides and exercises, a new Mini-Atlas of the Brain and a full Glossary of technical terms and their definitions. Richly illustrated with hundreds of carefully selected color graphics to enhance understanding.

Bernard J. Baars

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