How attention guides us
See how attention selects information and shifts between tasks.
The picture in words
- Selection
- Some information receives more attention during a task.
- Shifting focus
- A different goal can bring other information forward.
- The setting
- Notifications, movement and conversation can compete for attention.
Reading the illustration
The spotlight represents selective attention. Background information remains available while the focus of a task changes.
Try a question
What changes between the book scene and the conversation scene?
Show the explanation
The focus of attention shifts with the activity. The surroundings are similar, while different information becomes central.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/5-1-sensation-versus-perceptionSelected introductory passages inspected