Tim Shallice facts for kids

Timothy Shallice is a very important scientist who studies how our brains work and how that affects our thinking and behavior. He's known as a professor of neuropsychology, which is like being a brain detective! He also helped start a special place called the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience in London. This institute is part of University College London.

Shallice also worked as a professor at the Cognitive Neuroscience Sector of the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy. He started there in 1994 and is now retired.

Who is Timothy Shallice?

Understanding the Brain

Timothy Shallice has been very important in creating the field of cognitive neuropsychology. This area of science looks at how brain injuries or problems can help us understand how the mind works. He made many of its rules and ideas clear in his 1988 book, From Neuropsychology to Mental Structure.

He has also studied many key topics in cognitive psychology and neuropsychology. These include how we plan and control our actions (called executive function), how we use language, and how our memory works.

The Norman-Shallice Model

Working with another psychologist named Don Norman, Shallice suggested a way our brains control attention. This idea is called the Norman-Shallice model. One important part of this model is the supervisory attentional system. This system helps us focus and manage our actions, especially when things are new or difficult. Many scientists see this model as a modern way to understand ideas from an earlier brain scientist, Alexander Luria.

Working with Computers

Timothy Shallice also received a special grant with John Fox. This grant was about using computers to understand how our minds work, which is called cognitive modelling. They developed a system called COGENT. This system helped create computer programs that could act like human minds.

Developing Brain Tests

Shallice also worked with Paul W. Burgess on a study about memory. They looked at two types of memory:

• Prospective memory: Remembering to do things in the future (like remembering to take out the trash).
• Retrospective memory: Remembering things that happened in the past (like what you had for breakfast).

He also helped create important neuropsychological tests. These tests help doctors understand how well a person's brain is working. Some of these tests include the Hayling and Brixton tests. He also helped develop the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS). This test helps check problems with executive functions, which are skills like planning and problem-solving.

Awards and Recognition

In 1996, Timothy Shallice was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom.