David Badre - On Task: How Our Brain Gets Things Done

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Writing this book has been a new and fulfilling experience for me as a scholar and as a scientist. However, a project of this scope is never really completed by oneself. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the many people who have contributed both directly and indirectly to its completion.

First, I wish to thank the entire team from Princeton University Press. At every step, from editing to production, the book improved from its rough first draft. Id like to acknowledge Hallie Stebbins, in particular, who stepped in as editor of the book and masterfully shepherded a novice author through the process. Thanks are also due to Alison Kalett, who I am grateful persuaded me to start this adventure in the first place. Next, I wish to acknowledge my former mentors, John Jonides, Anthony Wagner, and Mark DEsposito; my current and former lab members; my close long-time collaborator Michael Frank; my colleagues Adam Aron and Roshan Cools, who gave me encouraging feedback on early chapter drafts; and many other colleagues and collaborators too numerous to mention by name. These scientists have shaped my thinking about cognitive control over the years, and their ideas and contributions appear in various ways throughout this book. Finally, I give thanks to my family. To my parents, who have always been supportive of my pursuits and who instilled in me from an early age the love of scholarship and curiosity that led me to be a scientist. And to my wife and two boys, who have helped me in countless ways, from reading multiple versions of the text to simply offering their love, confidence, inspiration, and support. For these, I am deeply grateful. Thank you.

On Task

CHAPTER 1