What is attention? Features, qualities, forms and objects of attention

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

As you know, attention plays a big role in the life of every person. But not everyone knows that there is a fairly large number of its types, forms and qualities, the characteristics of which differ significantly from each other.

Concept of attention

Attention is not an independent cognitive process. If we ask the question of what attention is, then we can say that in itself it does not show anything and does not exist separately. However, it is one of the most important components in the composition of cognitive activity, as it creates and controls the functioning. Any cognitive activity is carried out consciously, so attention also performs the function of consciousness.

As a rule, it is a special state of consciousness. Thanks to attention, various cognitive processes are directed and focused in order to more fully and clearly reflect reality. In addition, this concept is closely related to many sensory and mental processes. And this connection is most noticeable in sensations and numerous perceptions.

Characteristics of attention and its processes

1. Sustainability is presented as the duration of attracting attention to the same objects or to the same tasks.
2. The process of concentration and forms of attention are the increase in the intensity of signals when the field of perception is limited. They offer a long delay of attention on some object, as well as distract from other influences that do not matter to the person at that moment.
3. Concentration is seen as a result of concentration on a certain object in order to obtain the most complete information and necessary data about it.
4. Distribution function and processes of attention are considered to be the subjectively experienced ability to hold a specific number of different objects at the same time.
5. The way of switchability is the degree of speed of transition from a certain one type of activity to a completely different one (in the presence of absent-mindedness, there is poor switchability).
6. Objectivity is connected, first of all, with the ability to highlight any signals according to the task, significance, relevance, and so on.

Main types of attention

Attention is manifested through sensory and intellectual processes, as well as through practical actions using the goals and objectives of variousactivities. Because of this, there are such basic types of attention: motor, sensory, intentional, intellectual and unintentional.

The volume value is determined by the number of objects,where you can direct and concentrate the attention of the subject in specific seconds of time. It is calculated through special devices - tachistoscopes. In an instant, a person can turn his attention to several objects present at once, as a rule, their number is from four to six.

Motor attention

What is attention is known to many, and if we are talking about its motor form, then it is characterized by certain additions. As a rule, motor attention is usually directed to the movement and actions that are performed by a person. It allows you to more firmly and clearly understand the various techniques and methods that areapplied in practice. The motor type of attention controls movements and actions, and also controls them. They tend to be directed at a particular subject, especially when they must be very clear and precise.

Sensory attention

Sensory attention can occur when objects act on sensitive organs. Such forms of attention provide a fairly clear reflection of all objects and their characteristics. This is manifested in the present sensations of a person. Due to sensory attention, the images that can arise in consciousness are clear and distinct objects. Such a variety can be visual, auditory, olfactory, and so on. As a rule, people especially manifest its visual and auditory types, the first of which are best studied in psychology, since they are quite easy to understand and fix.

Intellectualattention

The qualities of attention of the intellectual kind are aimed at a more serious functioning and efficient operation of such necessary cognitive processes as thinking, memory and imagination. Because of this, a person is much better able to remember and reproduce the information received, as well as create clearer images in the process of imagination and think productively. Due to the fact that this type is characterized by the presence of an internal character and is almost inaccessible for research, it is the least studied, therefore it is difficult to give a clear definition of what attention is.

Arbitrary attention

Arbitrary or deliberate attention appears when a person has the goal or task to be attentive in relation to some object and to mental actions. As a rule, this type of attention is aimed at regulating sensory and motor processes, as well as internal cognitive actions. Intentional variety may well become arbitrary in cases where a person needs to exert volitional efforts so that his attention is directed and focused on a specific subject that should be known.

Arbitrary is also called active or volitional. The characteristic of attention of this variety lies in the fact that the direct initiative of its occurrence belongs to a person, and the method of its occurrence is already carried out through the effort and will of the subject.

When the focus of attention is closely connected with a conscious goal, then here we are talking about the so-calledarbitrary form that naturally accompanies human activity. It appears in those situations when the subject is absorbed in any activity. In addition, such attention is closely related to the system of associations. This can be very relevant when the object of attention continues to fix the goal, but at the same time destroys the willpower. This type begins to manifest itself when the activity becomes more fun and is carried out without any special effort.

As for the conditions for the formation of an arbitrary type of attention, here we can distinguish a clear goal setting, systematic organization of work, the use of the properties of mental activity, the ability to concentrate for a long time. These are the main features of this kind of attention.

Involuntary attention

In the same situation, when focus and concentration are involuntary, involuntary attention is relevant. One of the main forms of this type is considered to be an installation, that is, a state of complete readiness or a person’s predisposition to any action.

Unintentional (involuntary) kind of attention appears independently without a specific goal on the part of the subject. It is caused by the qualities of various objects and numerous phenomena that are essential for a person. The characteristic of this type of attention is that the main of its manifestations and provoking factors is the novelty of the object.

In addition, many bright stimuli (suddenlights, loud noises, pungent odors, etc.). In some cases, this type can also cause not too visible irritants (when they fully correspond to the interests, needs and attitudes of a person).

With involuntary attention, the design of the text is quite important (especially in children's books). This form primarily depends on various external properties of stimuli and is of a forced nature, and it does not last long. The internal causes of involuntary attention are presented in anticipation of some specific impressions. Therefore, before you start reading, it is important to get a rough idea of \u200b\u200bthis book.

The meaning of attention

In general, the features of attention are such that it is the main condition for the successful result of any intellectual activity. Its functions are an improvement on other kinds of work to which it is fixed, but it does not have its own special active product. In addition, in some sources on psychology, one can read that attention is such an organization of mental activity, with the help of which perceptions, sensations, thoughts are realized more clearly than others, and the latter, in turn, fade into the background or are not perceived at all.

Thus, attention is a consciously regulated concentration on some object. It does not depend on the present properties of this object (attractiveness, external and internal qualities, the interest of the observer). It is fixed thanks toperson depending on his activity.

If a person knows approximately what attention is, then he understands that a good result and the success of various work depend precisely on how the goal is set correctly and how the stages to achieve it are planned. Also of no small importance is the moment associated with the degree of clarity of the direction of his efforts in the process of activity.