Control Of Action Model

The control of action model, also called attentional control of action model or Norman and Shallice model was proposed by cognitive scientist Donald A. Norman and British neuropsychologist Timothy Shallice. It is a cognitive model in which action selection is believed to be controlled by two distinctively different processes: the "Contention" Scheduling System (which makes choices between routine functions that the mind and body perform automatically) and the "Supervisory" Attentional System (which comes into play in non-routine situations that involve decision making and other executive functions).

A simple example of this is the difference between driving a car on a straight road that doesn't take any real thought and then driving into a city where it is important to read and follow signs to guide you to where you need to go.