This month's episode of Brain Science features David Badre, author of On Task: How Our Brain Gets Things Done. He gives us an overview of recent research in the field of cognitive control, which has has actually overturned some popular assumptions about things like willpower. Our focus is on the practical implications of this research with an extra emphasis on the role of learning. Cognitive control is a learned skill, which is why Dr. Badre emphasized that children need a chance to develop this skill through experience. It is critical to provide a safe environment that even allows failure!

Cognitive control includes a constant trade-off between stability and flexibility.

Another key idea is that knowledge and action are separate. Cognitive control is the neural mechanism that fills the gap. If cognitive control is deficient a person can’t carry out even a simple plan of action.

How to get this episode:

• FREE: audio mp3 (click to stream, right click to download)

• Episode Transcript:

  • Click here for a free excerpt.

  • Buy for $3.50

  • click here if you are a Premium Subscriber. 

  • Click here if you are a Patreon supporter.

• Premium Subscribers have unlimited access to ALL old episodes and transcripts, as well as extra content for selected episodes. All content is available browser or the free Brain Science mobile app.

• Patreon supporters have access to new transcripts ($3+/month) and ad-free audio files ($10+/month). You can also access your bonus content via the free Patreon mobile app.

• New episodes of Brain Science are ALWAYS FREE. The most recent 75+ episodes are also free. See the individual show notes for links to the audio files.

Important Reminder:

Patreon supporters need to go to Your Memberships to update their tiers (>$3/month for transcripts or >$10/month for ad-free audio).

Links and References:

• On Task: How Our Brain Gets Things Done by David Badre

• David Badre, PhD, Professor at Brown University

Please Visit Our Sponsors:

• AAN: Neurology Minute Podcast

• Storyworth at storyworth.com/brain

• TextExpander at textexpander.com/podcast

Announcements:

• Check out the Brain Science podcast channel on YouTube for episode excerpts and summaries.

• Support Brain Science by buying Are You Sure? The Unconscious Origins of Certainty by Virginia "Ginger" Campbell, MD. (Autographed copies are available)

• Sign up for the free Brain Science Newsletter to get show notes automatically every month. You can also text brainscience to 55444 to sign up.

• Check out the free Brain Science Mobile app for iOS, Android, and Windows. (It's a great way to get both new episodes and premium content.)

• Learn more ways to support Brain Science at http://brainsciencepodcast.com/donations

Connect on Social Media:

• Twitter: @docartemis

• Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/brainsciencepodcast

Contact Dr. Campbell:

• Email: brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com