Davies, J. & Fortney, M. (2012). The menton theory of boredom and engagement. In P. Langley (Ed.) First Annual Conference on Cognitive Systems. Palo Alto, California, 131-143.

• First publication of the menton theory of attention, boredom, and engagement.
• Dual task interference should occur when the tasks are using the same brain area, rather than simply having the same kind or "code."

BibTex Entry:

@InProceedings{DaviesFortney2012,
  author = 	 {Davies, J. and Fortney, M.},
  title = 	 {The menton theory of engagement and boredom},
  booktitle = 	 {Proceedings of the First Annual Conference on Advances on Cognitive Systems},
  pages = 	 {131--143},
  year = 	 {2012},
  editor = 	 {Langley, P.}
}

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Abstract

In this paper we describe a theory of boredom and engagement based on the menton theory of mental resources. According to this theory, boredom is a feeling resulting from a surplus of mental resources (mentons) given a relatively unchallenging task environment. Mentons are a functional mental energy resource that is unevenly distributed in a cognitive system. The theory is supported by its explanation of dual-task interference, automatization, art appreciation, and attention deficit disorder effects.