Attention Flashcards
The ability to focus selectively on a selected stimulus, sustaining that focus, and shifting it at will.
The ability to concentrate.
Attention
Attention is the “taking possession by the mind in clear and vivid form, of one of out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects/trains of thought.”
William James
Implies withdrawal from some things in order to deal effectively with others.
A condition which has a real opposite in the confused, dazed, scatterbrained state.
Attention
A basic component of our biology, present even at birth.
Attention
What are some roles of attention?
- To survive
- To create memories
- To complete specific tasks
Our __________ help us determine which events in our environment need to be attended to, a process that aids in our ability to survive.
Orienting Reflexes
Newborns attend to environmental stimuli such as _________.
Loud Noises
Refers to responding to discrete visual, auditory, or tactile stimuli
Head turning to stimuli
Focused Attention
Refers to vigilance (over time) and working memory.
(Active holding and manipulating info)
Sustained Attention
Ability to ignore irrelevant or distracting stimuli.
Selective Attention
Capacity for mental flexibility
Alternating Attention
Ability to respond to multiple, simultaneous tasks.
Divided Attention
Transitioning between activities without feeling overwhelmed is an example of _______.
Alternating Attention
a.k.a Attention Span
Sustained Attention
What are the 3 Stages of Attention?
- Grab Attention
- Keep Attention
- End Attention
Ability to focus cognitive, perceptual, sensory, and activity toward the skill they’re attempting to learn.
Limits extraneous stimuli.
Focused Attention
Having a conversation in a crowded restaurant is an example of _______.
Selective Attention
Difficult tasks reduce ability to divide attention.
Resource Demands
What is Kahneman’s Resource Theory?
Mental resources are:
1. Shared by tasks.
2. Finite.
Attention Span in 2000
13 secs
Attention Span of goldfish
9 seconds
Attention Span in 2015
8 secs
Attention Span of internet user
3-5 secs
Consequences of Divided Attention
- Struggle to multi-task.
- Deliberate in completing one task before moving to next.
- Easily overwhelmed.
Other consequences of Divided Attention
- Slower response time in phone talks.
- Distracted by web advertisements.
- Worsens in irrelevant textbook materials.
Kids are very active all the time and are often on the go.
Try to take it all in instead of focusing on the task they need to focus on.
Movers
Don’t get out of their seat, but constantly move while seated. Change body positions frequently.
Squirmers
Physically present, mentally miles away.
Often fidgeting with something at their desk.
Daydreamers
What are the characteristics of Attention?
- Selective mental activity.
- Constantly shifts from one object to another.
- Focuses consciousness on a particular object.
- State of alertness.
Anterior Cingulate Cortex; Learned
Importance, timeliness, efficiency, learned values
Socially Aware, Time sensitive
Cognitive Attention
Basal Ganglia; Innate
Interest, emotional engagement, novelty, urgency
Socially blind; Time-blind
Emotional Attention
How to improve attention?
- Avoid multitasking.
- Get enough sleep.
- Practice mindfulness.
Types of Attention Grabbers
- Anecdote
- Statistics
- Question
- Description
- Joke
Symptoms of Attention Disorders
- Fails to listen
- Frequent Forgetfulness
- Inability to focus
- Fails to follow instructions
- Avoid difficult tasks
- Overlook details
