Attention

Definition:
Attention has been defined by many scholars some of the universally accepted definition is given below.
a) APA dictionary of psychology
The process by which the individual focuses awareness on certain contents of consciousness
while ignoring others
b) the ability to process information, hold attention, store and retrieve memories and select
appropriate responses and actions
expalanation
It is an active process which it sub conscious in nature. We are attentive when we focus on something
specific e.g., talking to a physician, changes in weather, etc. this attention shifts rapidly and may be of
relatively short duration E.g., the lecture is boring, you keep looking outside the window or materials in
your class.
Factors affecting Attention:
Attention is indeed a selective activity and the volition of our mind is very important to determine our
attention. But despite this, there are some factors in the objects as well as in the individual himself
which can influence our attention.
These factors which determine our attention are divided into two types:
(a) Objective factors
(b) Subjective factors

a) bjective Factors/Outer Determinants:

These factors pertain to particular aspects of objects which are inherent in objects.
i. Movement: A moving object draws our attention more easily and quickly than a
stationary object. For example, flickering lights draw our attention than non-flickering
lights. A moving vehicle draws our attention more than the non-moving vehicle
ii. Intensity: More intense light, sound, or smell draws our attention more easily than less
intense ones. For example, a high voltage bulb will be observed quicker than a low
voltage bulb, very bright color than dim color, or a very loud sound than a normal
sound, or intense odors, etc.
iii. Novelty: New kinds of objects draw our attention quickly. Advertising agencies adopt
this technique very effectively. For example, latest fashion dress, shoes, pen, etc.
iv. Size: A bigger or a smaller object draws the attention of people very easily than the
average level size of any object. For example, a 7′ taller man, a 2′ dwarf, a very fat man
can draw our attention quickly
v. Change: A change in our environment draws our attention quickly. A sudden change in
the surrounding. For example, a telephone bell
vi. Repetition: We attend the stimulus which is presented repeatedly even if it is weak in
intensity. For example, repeated low sound of phone bell
vii. Clarity: An object or sound which can be experienced clearly draws our attention than
the stimuli which are not clear. For example, during night times stars and planets which
are seen clearly draw our attention.
viii. Colors: Colorful objects draw our attention more easily than black or white objects
ix. Contrast: Objects catch our attention when the effect of contrast is produced. For
example, a tall man will catch attention quicker when other people are of normal
height.The dim light of a vehicle in a dark street
 b) Subjective Factors:
These factors relate to factors within the observer that govern one’s attention.
i. Interest: Objects of our interest draw our attention immediately. For example, a person
who is interested in a particular singer will immediately divert his attention the moment he
listens to his voice.
ii. Motives: Motives are powerful forces that make us divert our attention. For example, a
hotel will draw the attention of a hungry person because is hungry
iii. Mental set: Our set or readiness of mind is very important in attending to any stimulus. For
example, when a person is in fantasy he may not listen to any call. On the other hand, if he
is waiting for a phone call eagerly, he will listen to that immediately.
iv. Emotional state: Attention is disturbed during the emotional state. It also affects our
perception.For example, when a person is highly excited due to fear, he may not listen or
understand what others say.
v. Habits:Our attention is diverted automatically towards the things to which we are
habituated. For example, a smoker remembers smoking even if he is otherwise busy in
some work A person habituated to take food at a particular time remembers food at the
correct time. The attention of a nurse is automatically diverted towards a serious patient.

The span of Attention

Definition
An attention span or span of attention is a measure of the amount of time someone can stay focused on
a particular task, thought, or conversation without being distracted.
or
Attention span is the number of objects one can attend to at the same time

Human Attention Span:

The average span of attention of an adult is about 8 objects. Estimates of the average attention span
range from 5–20 minutes, but these are only estimates and can vary greatly from person to person.
The average human attention span is now shorter than a goldfish’s span of attention A recent study
found that the average human attention span has fallen from 12 seconds to eight seconds today.
Attention span increases with practice. The span of attention is greater for meaningful stimuli
Fluctuation of Attention
Definition
The tendency for objects or stimuli to pass in and out of attention even though stimulation is constant is
known as fluctuation of attention.
explanation
When we are seeing an object or listening to a sound, after a few seconds, the attention will be shifted
towards the other stimulus or the other area of the stimulus for a fraction of time and returns to the
original stimulus. This process is called fluctuation.
 The distraction of Attention
Definition
Distraction is the process of diverting the attention of an individual or group from a desired area of focus
and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information.
Explanation
The distraction of attention is nothing more than paying attention to something that is not a part of the
main activity of the moment. f there is any distraction, our attention shifts involuntarily.
Distraction is caused by one of the following: lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object
of attention; greater interest in something other than the object of attention; or the great intensity,
novelty, or attractiveness of the source of distraction.
It is almost impossible to ignore certain distracting stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, etc. Sensory
stimuli that reach the sense organs already involved in attention are especially distracting.For example,
loud noises would interfere with a telephone conversation more than bright lights.Usually, distraction
impedes the performance of the individual.
For instance, research has demonstrated that people who are disturbed by many personal problems
tend to have more accidents than others.
Distractions can be external (such as noise) or internal (such as fatigue, rumination, or stress)
Causes of distraction
Distraction is caused by one of the following: lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object
of attention; greater interest in something other than the object of attention; or the great intensity,
novelty, or attractiveness of the source of distraction.

Types of Distractions:

Distractions can come in many forms. They can be external and internal
i. External Distractors include: Distraction comes from five senses, the sensory
organs sense some stimulus and cause distraction.
ii. Internal Distractors: Thoughts, feelings, daydreaming Drives like hunger or
thirst drives, etc. Fatigue

Both types of distraction affect performance e.g., driving, listening to a lecture, etc.
Example of distractions in the classroom:

i. Cell-phones
ii. Unnecessary talking
iii. Eating food or chewing gum
iv. Tardiness
v. Loud noise