Introduction to Attention Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on attention, including definitions, models, and effects related to attention processes.

What is the definition of attention according to William James?

Attention is possession by the mind of one of several possible objects or thoughts in a clear and vivid form.

What happens when one attends to something?

It causes the object of attention to be selected apart from the rest of unattended objects.

What are automatic processes in attention?

Those triggered involuntarily by external events, which capture attention quickly and efficiently.

What are controlled processes in attention?

Processes that guide attention voluntarily and consciously, requiring more cognitive effort.

What does the Spotlight Model of attention suggest?

Attention focuses on only part of the environment at a time, enhancing the processing of information within that area.

What does the Cocktail Party Effect illustrate about attention?

It shows the ability to separate target sounds from background noise based on physical characteristics.

What limitation does Broadbent's single filter model have?

It assumes that there is absolutely no processing of unattended signals.

How does Treisman’s Dual Filter Model differ from Broadbent's model?

Treisman's model suggests that unattended information is weakened but still processed for meaning, rather than completely blocked.

What is the Stroop Task?

A psychological test that measures the interference of automatic reading processes on color naming.

What is the difference between congruent and incongruent items in the Stroop Task?

Congruent items have matching word meaning and font color, while incongruent items have differing meanings and colors.

What is a single feature search task?

A task where only one feature is used to find a target, making it relatively easy.

What is a conjunction search task?

A task that requires identifying a target based on two or more features, making it more difficult.

What role does context play in visual search tasks?

Context cues our attention and improves reaction times, facilitating more efficient searches.

What implications does attention have for psychological disorders?

Chronic attentional issues can contribute to psychological problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.