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Attention.
Authors:
Duncan, J.
Reference:
In F.C. Keil & R.A. Wilson (eds), The MIT Encyclopedia of the Cognitive Sciences. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press
Year of publication:
1999
CBU number:
3462
Abstract:
By "attention" we refer to the selective aspect of experience and thought. Many different aspects of selective information processing have been studied under this general heading. One example reviewed in depth is selective perception, or attention to a particular part of the sensory input. Both cognitive and neurobiological work are reviewed. A second example is selective goal activation, associated with the functions of the frontal lobes. In general, multiple aspects of "attention" - including selectivity in different cognitive domains, and general states such as arousal or wakefulness - must combine to create integrated, coherent behaviour.
