Attention

• Perceptual Load

  Amount of information involved in processing information/task stimuli
• Load Theory

  Explains how people learn/process information

  Perceptual load in a task determines our ability to effectively attend to information and avoid distractions
• Attentional Blindness

  Phenomena of a visual stimulus going unnoticed due to focused attention
• Broadbent's Model of Attention (1958)

  Stimuli that don't go through the sensory filter won't reach working memory.

  Stimuli must be attended to (focused on) to enter the sensory register.
• Treisman's Model of Attention (1964)

  Stimuli that are not attended to can still reach the sensory register through an attenuated channel.

  Filtered to working memory based on: context, importance, focus levels
• Automaticity

  Processing that uses minimal to no perception or effort.

  Stimulus driven. Efficient in survival situations.
• Attentional Control Theory (Eysenck et al. 2007)

  Two attentional systems:

  1. Active - Goal-directed
  2. Passive - Stimulus driven

  Can be disrupted by anxiety.