ATTENTION

Presented By:
Nimra Bashir Cheema
Lecturer Psychology
 Definition of Attention
“Attention is a process of consciously focusing on
something”.

The word ‘Attention is derived from a Latin word ‘Attentio’

that means ‘observation’ or ‘background’.
 Definition of Attention
According to R. S. Woodworth:

“To attend is to concentrate your activity”.

 Selective Attention
“Selective attention is the process of focusing on a
particular object in the environment for a certain period
of time”.
 Nature Of Attention
 Brain receives a lot of information from different senses at a time
and a lot of information goes to the circle of consciousness.
 But information which is paid conscious attention, becomes clear.
 Attention makes the perception by brain, better.
 Attention acts like a bridge between sensation and perception.

Sensation Attention Perception

 Characteristics/Features
Of Attention
 It differentiates between two or more things.
 Connect different information.
 It is a very important step before perception by brain.

Sensation Attention Perception Behaviors

Part of Brain Involved in Attention
 Types of Attention
 Involuntary/Passive Attention
 Voluntary/Active Attention
 Secondary Passive/Habitual Attention
 Continuous Attention
 Involuntary/Passive Attention
 “In this type of attention, powerful stimuli attracts individual’s
attention, it doesn’t involve person’s willingness”.
 For example: sudden loud sound, light goes off, a
poisonousness insect bite etc.
 Voluntary/Active Attention
 “In this type of attention, conscious focus is given to stimulus,
stimulus itself is not so powerful”.
 For example: writing in examination hall, listening to lecture,
watching documentary if not interested etc.
 Secondary Passive/Habitual
 Attention
“In this type of attention, individual has to be prepared for
response to stimuli. Individual initially has to devote conscious
attention but gradually he becomes proficient with habituation”.
 For example: women preparing food etc.
 Continuous Attention
 “It involves conscious observation of an event or stimulus over
a long period. Such attention entails strong will-power”.
 For example: doing an exercise of maths etc.
Factors leading to Attention
Factors

Subjective Objective
 Subjective Factors
1. Interest
2. Motivation
3. Freshness
4. Curiosity
5. Mental and physical health
6. Expectancy or mental readiness
7. Emotion
8. Attitude
 Objective Factors
1. Intensity
2. Extensity
3. Movement
4. Novelty and uniqueness
5. Duration
6. Color
7. Contrast
8. Change
9. Repetition
10. Rareness
11. Location
12. Stimulus organization
13. Definite form
14. Nature of stimulus
15. Elimination and selection
Distraction of Attention
Distraction of Attention
Subjective Objective
 Duration of Attention
Things can be brought to centre of attention only for a few seconds.

For example: when we read a story or watch a drama or football match,

our attention keeps shifting from one point to another. However, the
collective circle of attention remains intact.
 Fluctuation of Attention
Things can be brought to centre of attention only for a few seconds. It
keeps fluctuating.

For example: we cannot constantly listen to the tick tock of clock for
several minutes. Sometimes its sound cannot be heard, sometimes it feels
loud and sometimes faint. Actually, it is because our brain gets tired or
bored due to which our attention fluctuates.
 Subjective Factors
1. Interest
2. Headache
3. Temperament
4. Preference
5. Freshness/energy
6. Motive
7. Level of anxiety/stress
8. Goal
9. Emotional state
10. Physical and mental health
11. Ambition
 Objective Factors
1. Sudden or abrupt change
2. Concentration
3. Nature of task
4. Movement
5. Novelty
6. Intensity
7. Extensity
8. Loud sound or voices
 Methods of controlling
I. Incentive distraction
II. Social approval
III. Self-control
IV. Building personal capacity
V. Model
VI. Creative ability
VII. Adaptation
VIII. Definite aim
Thank
You!