Theories of Selective Attention
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Selective attention is the ability to focus on a task while ignoring distractions. There are several different theories of selective attention, all of which attempt to explain how it is possible to selectively focus on one task in the face of competing demands.
The first theory of selective attention is the attentional focus theory, which states that selective attention results from allocating resources to a task. The theory posits that the attentional focus of a person is determined by the number of resources they can allocate to the task. The more resources a person can allocate to the task, the more attentional focus they will have.
The second theory of selective attention is the task-integration theory, which states that selective attention results from the combination of task features and demands. The task-integration theory posits that the combination of task features and task demands determines the attentional focus of a person. The more task features present, the more attentional focus will be needed to process the task. Likewise, the more task demands present, the more attentional focus will be needed to complete the task.
The third theory of selective attention is the resource-availability theory, which states that selective attention results from resource availability. The resource-availability theory posits that resource availability determines a person’s attentional focus. The more available resources, the more attentional focus will be needed to process the task. Therefore, more resources are available.
The fourth theory of selective attention is the task-set theory, which states that selective attention results from the combination of task sets and task demands. The task-set theory posits that the combination of task sets and task demands determines the attentional focus of a person. The more task sets present, the more attentional focus will be needed to process the task. Likewise, the more task demands present, the more attentional focus will be needed to complete the task.
The fifth theory of selective attention is the task-switching theory, which states that selective attention results from the ability to switch between tasks. The task-switching theory posits that the attentional focus of a person is determined by the ability to switch between tasks. The more possible task switches, the more attentional focus will be needed to process the task. The more possible task switches, the more attentional focus will be able to complete the task.