11: Attention
- Page ID
- 54123
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 11.1: What is Attention?
- This page discusses the concept of attention, highlighting its frequent use in everyday language and exploring how it is defined in psychological terms. It references William James' description of attention as a focused and controlled consciousness, suggesting a limited capacity for processing information. The text distinguishes various forms of attention studied in psychology, such as sustained, divided, and spatial attention, often related to task-based scenarios.
- 11.2: History of Attention
- The research on attention has grown significantly since the 1950s, exploring its connection to memory, executive functioning, and its role in learning and behavior. This understanding is vital as attention deficits affect educational and workplace performance, making it a key topic in psychology. Historically, philosophers like Joan Luis Vives and William James laid foundational thoughts on attention, which later evolved into scientific inquiry with experimental methods.
- 11.3: Selective Attention and Models of Attention
- The page discusses selective attention, using the "Cocktail Party" scenario to illustrate how individuals can focus on a single conversation amidst numerous distractions. It examines theories of selective attention, starting with Broadbent's Filter Model, which suggests early selection based on physical features, and Treisman's Attenuation Model, which proposes that unattended information is weakened but not completely discarded.
- 11.4: Divided Attention
- The page explores the myth of multitasking and its impact on performance. While some people claim to multitask efficiently, research indicates that dividing attention often impairs performance. A study by Spelke et al. showed that extensive practice might allow some to manage two complex tasks simultaneously, but it's not universal. The dangers of multitasking while driving, especially with cell phones, are highlighted.
- 11.5: Subitizing
- This text discusses two psychological theories: subitizing and Treisman's Attenuation Model. Subitizing is the ability to recognize small numbers of objects quickly, often through recognizable patterns. It contrasts with broader theories that are less precise but cover more phenomena. Treisman???s model relates to divided attention, proposing that unattended information is not entirely blocked but attenuated, allowing meaningful information to pass through.
- 11.6: Auditory Attention
- For over 50 years, research has shown that our perception is limited by our minds, not our senses. We can only focus on one stream of information at a time, effectively filtering out other stimuli. This selective attention is exemplified by dichotic listening tasks, where individuals can miss significant changes in ignored audio streams. This cognitive filtering highlights the power and limitations of attention, allowing focus on chosen information but often causing us to miss important signals.