Patternv1

Attention-residue pattern: the phenomenon where unfinished

Attention-residue pattern: the phenomenon where unfinished tasks leave persistent cognitive traces that degrade focus on subsequent tasks, because the brain maintains active representations of incomplete goals (Zeigarnik effect)

Why This Is a Pattern

Exemplifies Open-Loop Cognitive Cost (Zeigarnik) (open loops consume WM) and Directed Attention as Depletable Resource (attention finite). Recurs across all multitasking contexts.

Source Lessons

L-0070

Attention residue lingers

Unfinished tasks leave attention residue that degrades focus on subsequent tasks.

Connections

Exemplifies (2)

AxiomOpen-Loop Cognitive Cost (Zeigarnik)AxiomDirected Attention as Depletable Resource

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