Attention and Perception Running Head: Attention and Perception 1
Attention and Perception Running Head: Attention and Perception 1
Attention and Perception Running Head: Attention and Perception 1
[Course]
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Attention and Perception 2
Attention Defined
what is important and to ignore what is insignificant. Much of the process happens
subconsciously i.e. without any effort or awareness. Whereas, voluntary attention is a link
between the thoughts and emotions we intentionally choose to dwell upon. Listening
carefully to one person, while ignoring other voices in a room, is a prime example of
selective concentration. We can surmise that it defines the difference between listening and
hearing. Attention is the thread that holds together the fabric of our consciousness.
In other words "attention refers to several different capacities or processes that are
related to aspects of how the organism becomes receptive to stimuli and how it may begin
assessment, p. 39).
This process of selective filtering occurs at various levels: peripherally at the sensory
level, and centrally at the more interpretive level. The processes like focusing, linking,
inhibiting, connecting, interpreting, and then storing information are all joined by this thread,
called attention and entail many cognitive and affective structures in our brain.
Reflective Attention
One not only pays attention to the external world, but also focuses considerably on
his/her internal feelings, thoughts, and memories. Memory itself serves as an emotional filter:
In times of happiness and optimism, one tends to recall and predict positive experiences;
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whereas in anxious times or depression one tends to notice and recall demoralizing
experiences.
The ability to make efficient and timely decisions needs continuous attention. The ability to
rummage around memory, to associate current feeling to immediate situation and link this
working memory are necessary parts of executive function. The competence to proceed as we
intend needs continual attention, even in presence of distractions and in phases of declining
Language
The supreme evolutionary advancement that distinguishes humans from other primates is
developmental complexity of language and reasoning, although these are clearly separate
processes, still they are somewhat interconnected. Language includes integration of sensory
Interest
The property of maintaining interest and attaching and keeping attention is mediated by the
Interpretation
The capability to understand the meaning and worth of an event is associated with our ability
to interpret social cues and development of interpersonal strategies. Most of our attention is
focused towards internal initiation, like reflection or problem-solving about something not in
our immediate sensory environment. This entails the skill of interpreting connotation in its
conceptual background which is necessary to the appreciation of sarcasm and humor. This
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process of interpretation and reasoning is linked with memory as well as with visual and
Reference
Hunt, R. D. (2006). The Neurobiology of ADHD. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health.
Lezak, M. (1995). Neuropsychological assessment (3rd ed.). New York: Oxford University
Press.