Cognitive Psychology: Attention Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of attention in cognitive processing?

To eliminate the need for short-term memory.

To enhance perception and memory by focusing on all stimuli equally.

To allow for maximum distraction while performing tasks.

To filter out irrelevant information while processing significant stimuli. (correct)

Which type of attention involves concentrating on one stimulus while ignoring others?

Divided attention

Selective attention (correct)

Sustained attention

Focused attention

According to Broadbent's Filter Model, which stage comes first in the process of filtering information?

Short-term memory storage

Filter based on interpretation

Sensory memory (correct)

Detection of meaning

The 'Cocktail Party Effect' challenges which aspect of early selection models like Broadbent's?

The claim that all unattended information is completely filtered out. Signup and view all the answers

Treisman's Attenuation Model suggests that unattended information is:

Weakened but can still be processed if salient. Signup and view all the answers

In late selection models like Deutsch & Deutsch, when does the filtering of stimuli occur?

After all stimuli have been processed for meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of divided attention when multitasking?

Reduced performance on tasks due to limited attentional resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT describe a type of attention?

Reflexive attention Signup and view all the answers

What is the main assertion of Kahneman’s Capacity Model?

Attention is a limited resource that varies based on cognitive load. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes automatic processing?

Tasks that become routine through practice and require minimal attention. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Stroop Effect illustrate about attention?

Conflicting information can complicate controlled processing. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the parietal cortex play in attention?

It facilitates the shifting and focusing of visual attention. Signup and view all the answers

In the Feature Integration Theory, what occurs in the focused attention stage?

Features are combined into coherent objects requiring focused attention. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Load Theory of Attention describe perceptual load?

The complexity of a task determines attentional capacity consumption. Signup and view all the answers

What is inattentional blindness?

A phenomenon of failing to notice unexpected objects when focused elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does texting while driving have on attention?

It splits attention and reduces driving performance. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks requiring long concentration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes covert attention?

Attention directed without shifting the eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Attention: Overview

Attention is a cognitive process focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others.
It's vital for perception, memory, and action, processing relevant information.

Types of Attention

Selective Attention: Focusing on one task/stimulus, ignoring others.
Divided Attention: Splitting attention between multiple tasks/stimuli.
Sustained Attention: Maintaining focus on a task/stimulus for a long time.

Selective Attention: Filtering and Processing

Selective attention is necessary because the environment offers more information than we can process.
Models explain how we filter irrelevant stimuli:

Broadbent's Filter Model (Early Selection)

Filters sensory information early, before perceptual analysis.
Stages:
- Sensory memory (brief storage of all incoming info).
- Filter (selects info based on physical features – pitch, volume).
- Detector (processes the selected info for meaning).
- Short-term memory (holds processed info for a short time, then transfers to long-term).

Challenges to Broadbent's Model

Cocktail Party Effect: We can hear our name in unattended conversations, showing unattended info isn't always blocked.
Treisman's Attenuation Model: Unattended info isn't completely filtered, but attenuated (weakened). Salient information can still pass through (hearing your name).
Late Selection Models: All stimuli are processed for meaning first, the decision to attend to something happens later.

Divided Attention: Multitasking

Divided attention deals with processing multiple inputs or tasks simultaneously.
Generally, multitasking reduces task performance due to limited attentional resources.

Capacity Theories of Attention

Kahneman's Capacity Model: Attention is a limited resource, and allocation depends on task demand.
Easier tasks can be done simultaneously.
Demanding tasks decrease performance on both tasks.

Automatic vs. Controlled Processing

Automatic Processing: Routine tasks needing little attention (e.g., reading, typing).
Controlled Processing: Requires conscious attention for novel/complex tasks.

Stroop Effect

Demonstrates the difficulty in controlling automatic processes.
Naming ink color of words (that are color names) is harder because of the automatic process of reading.

Attention and Visual Perception

Visual Scanning and Eye Movements

Overt Attention: Attention guided by eye movements.
Eye movements use saccades (rapid eye movements) and fixations (pauses to process information).
Covert Attention: Attention can be directed without moving eyes.

Spotlight Metaphor

Visual attention is like a spotlight, shifting focus on visual scene parts, even without eye movement.

Posner's Precueing Task

Demonstrates attention's enhancement of processing at cued locations, even without eye movement.
Cued locations are processed more quickly.

Attention and the Brain

Parietal Cortex

Posterior parietal cortex is crucial for shifting and focusing visual attention.
Damage can cause hemispatial neglect (ignoring one side of space).

Frontal Eye Fields (FEF)

Control eye movements and attention shifts.

Attention Networks

Dorsal Attention Network: Voluntary, goal-directed attention.
Ventral Attention Network: Involuntary, reflexive attention (e.g., responding to sudden stimuli).

Theories of Attention

Feature Integration Theory

Visual processing has two stages:
- Preattentive stage: Automatic parallel processing of basic features (color, shape).
- Focused attention stage: Combining features to form coherent objects.
Illusory conjunctions: Combining features from different objects when attention is overloaded.

Load Theory of Attention

Perceptual load: Task difficulty determines attentional capacity use.
High-load tasks use more attention, leading to less distraction.
Low-load tasks leave more attention for irrelevant stimuli.

Attentional Failures and Disorders

Inattentional Blindness

Failing to notice fully visible but unexpected objects when attention is elsewhere (e.g., Gorilla experiment).

Change Blindness

Inability to detect changes in a visual scene, especially with brief interruptions.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder causing inattention and/or hyperactivity.
Individuals may struggle to sustain attention.

Everyday Applications of Attention Research

Driving and Attention

Divided attention is dangerous in driving.
Multitasking like texting while driving compromises performance.

Advertising

Using bright colors, motion, novelty to attract attention.

Designing Work Environments

Considering attention's limitations (e.g., minimizing distractions in critical tasks).

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Description

This quiz explores the cognitive process of attention, focusing on its types and models, specifically Broadbent's Filter Model. Understand selective, divided, and sustained attention to better grasp how we process information in our environment. Test your knowledge on how attention shapes perception and memory.