Question -
Answer -
Selective attention refers to the focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus. It is concerned mainly with the selection of a limited number of stimuli or objects from a larger number of stimuli Factors affecting selective attention :
External factors:
These are related to the features of the stimuli. Other factors held constant.
- The size, intensity and movement of stimuli are important determinants.
- Large, bright and moving objects easily catch our attention.
- Auditory narrations are readily attended than visual narrations.
- Stimuli that are novel and slightly complex catch our attention.
- Human figures are more likely to be attended then the in animate objects.
Internal factors can be of two types :
(1) Cognitive factors (2) Motivational factors
(1) Cognitive factors include factors like interests, attitudes and preparatory set.
- Stimuli that appear interesting are readily attended.
- Stimuli that are favorably disposed by us also catch our attention.
- Preparatory set a state of mind to act in a certain way and to respond to some stimuli and not to others at that moment.
(2) Motivational factors
- These are related to our biological and social needs e.g. hungry person will attain food first. During examination days students focus more on teacher’s instructions.
- Selective attention is concerned mainly with the selection of a limited number of stimuli from a large number of stimuli whereas sustained attention refers to focusing of awareness on specific objects while excluding others for the movement.
- It is ability to maintain attention on an object or event for longer duration.