3. Attention and Information Processing

Flashcards covering concepts related to attention and information processing.

Def: Focused/ Selective Attention

The mechanism by which certain information is registered while others are rejected

Def: Capacity/ Divided Attention

The upper limit of the amount of processing that can be performed on incoming information at any one time

Def: Dichotic Listening

A method where one message is fed into one ear and a different message into the other; participants repeat one message aloud

Def: Shadowing

The process of repeating one of the messages aloud during dichotic listening

Def: Cocktail Party Effect

The ability to switch attention rapidly to a non-processed message, often triggered by relevant stimuli.

Def: Broadbent’s Early Selection Filter Theory

• Information processing is capacity limited

• A temporary buffer system receives all information and passes it to a selective filter

• selective filter based on physical characteristics selects one source of information, rejecting others

• Processing two different pieces of information will take longer and will be less efficient

Def: Treisman’s Attenuation Theory

Physical characteristics and semantic relevance (meaning) are used to select one message for full processing. Other given partial processing

Def: Deutsch-Norman Late Selection Filter Model/ Pertinence model

A model that rejects Broadbent’s view, suggesting that filtering occurs later after all inputs are analyzed at higher level

Pigeon-Holing

A process similar to filtering that is based on categorization rather than physical characteristics

Broadbent’s revision of earlier theory

Def: Automatic Processing

Processing that does not require conscious attention, is unaffected by capacity limits, and is difficult to modify.

e.g. driving car while listening to radio

def: Controlled Processing

Processing that requires attention, has heavy demands, and is slow and capacity limited.

e.g. reading notes

Def: Closed Loop Control

A process where tasks initially requires conscious attention but later becomes automatic

Def: Open loop control

Task controlled by automatic motor processes, faster and allows attention to be diverted

Def: Stroop Test/ Letter Cancellation

A task used to test selective attention

Def + List: Hierarchical Model of Attention

A model based on sequential recovery of attentional ability in patients with brain damage. Five different kinds of activities of growing difficulty:

• Focused attention

• Sustained attention

• Selective attention

• Alternating attention

• Divided attention

Who: Sohlberg and Mateer

Def: Focused attention (Hierarchical Model of Attention)

The ability to perceive individual items of information (respond discretely to the specific modality of stimuli)

Def: Sustained Attention (Hierarchical Model of Attention)

The ability to maintain a consistent behavioral response during continuous and repetitive activity.

Def: Selective Attention (Hierarchical Model of Attention)

The ability to avoid distractions and maintain focus in the presence of competing stimuli.

Def: Alternating Attention (Hierarchical Model of Attention)

The mental flexibility to shift focus between tasks with different cognitive requirements.

Def: Divided Attention (Hierarchical Model of Attention)

The highest level of attention, involving the ability to respond simultaneously to multiple tasks or demands.

Easier via different modalities - visual + audtiory