Persistence of attention is one of the properties that characterizes the ability for a long period of time to concentrate on the same process or phenomenon.
What is attention
Attention is (in psychology) a focused perception of a certain object or phenomenon. It is important to understand that this is a rather changeable phenomenon that can be affected by both internal and external factors.
Attention - this is in psychology a kind of relationship of a person to the object with which he interacts. It can be influenced not only by mental and psychological characteristics, but also by the individual's interest in working with certain objects.
We can say that attention sustainability is one of the most important conditions for successful activity in absolutely any field. Thanks to this category, the clarity of a person’s perception of the surrounding world and the processes that occur in it is determined. Despite the fact that when concentrating on the main object, all the others seem to fade into the background, attention can constantly switch.
Scientists devote a lot of time to the study of attention; it cannot be considered a self-sufficient psychological phenomenon or process. It is inextricably linked with many other phenomena and is considered only in close interconnection with other accompanying processes, being one of their many properties.
Types and forms of attention
We can say that attention is a rather complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It can differ on the basis of primary or secondary perception of information. So, you can highlight arbitrary and involuntary attention.
If a person unconsciously concentrates on a particular object or process, then this type of attention is called involuntary. We are talking about unconscious attitudes that can be caused by a strong sudden exposure to the stimulus. Such a species quite often develops into conscious voluntary attention. Also, passive concentration is often enough determined by past impressions, which to some extent are repeated in the present.
Thus, if we summarize the above information, we can say that involuntary attention is due to the following series of reasons:
- unexpected exposure to an irritant;
- power of influence;
- new, unfamiliar sensations;
- the dynamics of the stimulus (it is moving objects that most often cause concentration);
- contrasting situations;
- mental processes.
Arbitrary attention arises as a result of conscious excitatory processes in the cerebral cortex. Quite often, for its formation, an external influence is necessary (for example, teachers, parents, authoritative personalities).
It is important to understand that voluntary attention is an indispensable attribute of a person’s labor activity. It is accompanied by physical and emotional efforts, and also causes fatigue, like physical work. That is why psychologists sometimes recommend switching to abstract objects so as not to expose your brain to tremendous stresses.
Psychologists emphasize not only arbitrary and involuntary attention. After a person has concentrated on the object and studied it well, further perception occurs as if automatically. This phenomenon is called after-accidental, or secondary.
If we talk about forms of attention, we can distinguish the external (on surrounding objects), internal (on mental processes), as well as motor (perceived moving objects).
Key Attributes
Psychologists distinguish the following properties of attention: stability, focus, distribution, volume, intensity, switchability, concentration. Let's consider them in more detail.
- Concentration is the ability to hold attention to a specific object or process. This means that it stands out and separates from the general background. The strength of communication with the object is determined by how bright, pronounced and clear it is.
- The amount of attention implies the number of objects that can be captured by the human consciousness at a time. Depending on this, people can perceive a different number of information units. Volume can be determined using special tests. Depending on the results, special exercises may be recommended to increase it.
- Persistence of attention is an indicator that determines the duration of concentration on the same object.
- Switchability is a deliberate change in the object of focus. This may be due to the nature of the activity, as well as to the need for rest and relaxation.
- Distribution determines the ability of attention to simultaneously concentrate on several objects of different nature. In this case, different sensory organs can be involved.
What is attention sustainability?
Stability of attention is a property that is determined by the ability for a long period of time to maintain focus on an object or type of activity. We can say that this is a characteristic that determines the duration of concentration.
It should be noted that the stability of attention cannot be determined in relation to any one object. A person can switch between objects or activities, however, the general direction and meaning should remain constant. Thus, if a person for a certain period of time is engaged in activities (or several activities) to achieve a specific goal, then we can judge the stability of his attention.
This category is characterized by a number of requirements, the main one is the diversity of actions and impressions that they bring. If the nature of the irritation is unchanged, then in that part of the brain responsible for a particular activity, inhibition is observed, and, as a result, attention begins to dissipate. If the nature and conditions of activity will constantly vary, then the concentration will be long.
It is worth noting that concentration and switching of attention can alternate, depending on internal and external conditions. Even if the individual is in the state of highest concentration, due to internal brain processes, some fluctuations may occur. If we talk about external stimuli, then they can not always lead to scattering of attention (this largely depends on their intensity).
Attention distribution
Distributed attention is a condition that occurs as a result of the simultaneous execution of several actions. So, for example, a minibus driver not only drives a vehicle, but also controls the situation on the road. The teacher also monitors discipline while delivering information to students. This category can also be illustrated by the work of a cook who can simultaneously control the process of preparing several products.
Psychologists study not only the very phenomenon of distribution, but also its physiological nature. This process is caused by the appearance in the cerebral cortex of a specific focus of excitation, which can extend its influence to other areas. In this case, partial braking may be observed. Nevertheless, it absolutely does not affect the execution of actions if they are brought to automaticity. This explains the simplicity of the implementation of complex processes in people who have mastered their profession well.
The distribution of attention can be difficult if the individual simultaneously tries to perform actions that are in no way connected (this is proved by numerous experiments). Nevertheless, if one of them is brought up to automatism or habit, then the task is simplified. The ability to combine the performance of several actions at the same time belongs to such a category as health factors.
Attention levels
The level of attention is the dependence of concentration on a particular activity on physiological and mental processes. So, we can talk about the following categories:
- the level of the physical body implies the realization that the objects to which attention is directed are separated from the body itself, and therefore are foreign (this makes it possible to perceive them regardless of physiological processes);
- the energy level implies a higher level of interaction with objects, which consists in obtaining some internal sensations associated with the process of work (they can contribute to concentration or dispersal of attention);
- the level of energy metabolism implies that a high degree of concentration is achieved due to the fact that a person receives moral and physical satisfaction from the performance of a process;
- the level of general space implies that concentration and stability of attention can to some extent come from one fact of being with an object within one limited territory;
- non-spatial attention is associated with internal mental and psychological processes (we are talking about unconditional understanding or knowledge that an individual receives with experience);
- the level of will is the ability to force oneself to concentrate on an undesirable or uninteresting activity because of its necessity to achieve a certain result;
- the level of awareness implies that concentration occurs when a person understands the meaning and anticipates the results of the activity.
How to develop attention span
At the moment, there are many methods and tests that can determine the levels of attention sustainability. Unfortunately, their results are not always satisfactory, but this situation is quite fixable. The development of sustainability of attention becomes possible, thanks to the techniques developed by psychologists. This allows you to increase efficiency, as well as learning.
The most effective and often used are the following exercises:
- Set your mobile phone timer for two minutes. All this time you should completely focus on the tip of your finger (no matter which). If you can cope with this task without problems, then try to complicate it. For example, turn on the TV and try to keep attention on your finger against its background. It’s best if you do these workouts daily.
- Take a comfortable position and fully focus on your breath. You can also try to feel the heartbeat. At the same time, the room does not have to be perfect silence, you can turn on the music. This exercise is useful not only for developing attention span, but also for relaxation.
- While in public transport, take a seat by the window and concentrate completely on the glass, not paying attention to the objects behind it. Change the priority later.
- The next exercise is performed before bedtime, because it not only develops concentration, but also helps to relax. Take a standard sheet with text and in the middle put a dot with a green felt-tip pen or marker. You need to look at it for 5 minutes, while not allowing any extraneous thoughts to enter the consciousness.
- If your activity is related to the perception of sounds, then it is necessary to train this particular apparatus. It is advisable to go to the park and for 10 minutes try to hear only the sounds of nature, without paying attention to the conversations of passers-by or the noise of passing cars.
The health factors of the psychological plan are largely related to the ability to maintain attention span. It brings success in professional and everyday activities. If your natural abilities are not at the highest level, then you need to develop them with the help of special exercises.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology of attention is a separate area of knowledge that deals with the study of concentration issues, linking them to nervous processes. Initially, such studies were carried out exclusively on animals, by connecting electrodes to certain areas of the brain. In order to investigate the stability of human attention, electroencephalogram technology is used. To do this, the body must be awake. Thus, it is possible to fix the excitation or inhibition of nerve impulses during the performance of a certain type of activity.
In this context, the psychologist E. N. Sokolov plays a huge role. Through a large number of studies, he proved that when the same action is performed repeatedly, attention becomes automatic. Thus, the brain ceases to actively respond to the stimulus, which affects the results of the electroencephalogram. The brain decides that in this case there is no need for arousal, because a certain mechanical memory is stored in the body.
Selective concentration process
Selective attention is a psychological and mental process that involves filtering external stimuli and stimuli in order to highlight those that really require concentration and concentration.
This phenomenon is constantly studied by psychologists on the subject of how much mental processes are dependent on the selective activity of the brain. This can be explained with a simple example. If at first in a noisy place we hear a rumble of voices, then as soon as someone speaks directly to us, we begin to focus our attention on this only while background noises are lost.
Psychologists conducted such an experiment: headphones were inserted into the subject’s ears, into which different sound rows were fed. To their surprise, the man heard only one of the tracks. At the same time, when a certain signal was given, attention switched to another melody.
Selective attention applies not only to hearing, but also to visual perception. If you try to catch different pictures on two monitors with each eye, then you will not succeed. You can clearly see only one image.
Thus, we can say that the human brain has the ability to filter information that comes through certain channels, focusing on only one of the essential points. Concentration and switching attention may be determined by internal or external factors.
Output
Sustainability of attention is the ability of a person to focus on the study of a particular object or on the performance of a specific activity. It is this factor that largely determines the efficiency and volume of perceived information. It is important to understand that concentration of attention allows you to throw all secondary factors into the background, but this does not mean that a change of emphasis is excluded.
If we talk about the types of attention, we can distinguish between voluntary and involuntary. The first of these is conscious. The focus is precisely on the object that directly interests the individual. Moreover, if such concentration occurs regularly, the brain begins to concentrate automatically. This kind of attention is called after-random. But it often happens that an individual completely unexpectedly switches to objects or phenomena that have no direct relation to his activities. In this case, we can talk about involuntary attention. It can be sharp sounds, vibrant colors and more.
Attention has a number of properties. The main one is concentration. It implies the ability to hold a particular object in the spotlight for a certain period of time. Volume characterizes the number of objects or activities on which a person can concentrate at the same time, but sustainability is the time during which a given state can persist.
Quite interesting is the phenomenon of attention distribution. This means that a person does not have to concentrate on only one single type of activity. Sometimes, due to the specifics of the activity, several processes have to be performed simultaneously. At the same time, some of them are brought to automatism, while others require certain mental and psychological efforts. .
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