Provide an example of an automatic and a controlled process, and explain why automatization of cognitive tasks is beneficial.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

- Automatization refers to the degree to which an activity requires attention.
- When a process can be performed successfully without conscious awareness, it is said to be automatic. When a process demands greater cognitive resources, it is said to be a controlled process.
- For many adults, driving a car while conversing, listening to the radio, or navigating busy streets is an automatic process. Attention does not need to be consciously devoted to moving the steering wheel or applying the brakes; these actions occur outside of awareness.
- For many adults, computing federal income taxes is a controlled process. Concentrated attention must be devoted to analyzing the various deductions, sources of income, exceptions, and so on.
- Automatization is an important developmental skill. The extent to which a child can acquire information or perform tasks without needing to apply devoted attention means that those processes can run smoothly and efficiently in the background.
- Even complex tasks, such as numerical operations or mathematical skills, can be automatized at a fairly early age.