Characteristics of Attention

Definition

      The process through which certain stimuli are selected from a group of others is generally referred to as attention (NCERT, XI).

     A state in which cognitive resources are focused on certain aspects of the environment rather than on others and the central nervous system is in a state of readiness to respond to stimuli (APA).

       In essence attention is the state of awareness centred towards the specific stimuli.

Meaning

    The efforts required to assemble the cognitive faculties in response of sensory or psychological inputs.

        In simple terms attention is voluntary or involuntary attending to the external or internal stimuli.

Characteristics of Attention

       Attention is the component of cognition or some psychologists considers it pre-cognition process/state.

1.       Attention is a Selective process.

2.       Perception is the function of attention.

3.       Attention can be goal-directed or stimulus-driven (Yantis, 1993).

4.   Concentration of mental efforts on sensory or mental events (Solso, 2006) is the prerequisite for attention.

5.       Attention is a dynamic with & mobile mental process.

6.       It works on all-or-none principle i.e. either we attend or remain inattentive to a stimuli.

7.   Attention can shift its focus from one stimulus to other depending upon the characteristics of stimuli.

8.       Attention also depends upon the mental state and other psychological variables of an individual.

9.       Attention is subjective and abstract phenomenon with objective outcomes.

10.     The attention process is closely related to the phenomenon of awareness.

11.     Attention is attractive as well as repulsive based on the stimulus.

12.     Interest is the one of the major decisive factors of attention. 

13.     Its span is limited to the fulfilment of goals.

14.     It has shifting nature that needs motor adjustment.

15.     Attention is purposive and guided by psycho-biological needs.

16.     Attention has three major components i.e. cognitive, conative and affective. 

References:

1.       NCERT, XI Psychology Text book.

2.       Solso, R. L. (2006). Cognitive Psychology. New Delhi: Pearson India.

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