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Assignment 2 Cognitive Psych

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30 views2 pages

Assignment 2 Cognitive Psych

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camach89
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Cristian Camacho

Attention is a multifaceted cognitive process essential for navigating complex environments.


One key way attention operates is through a filter mechanism, allowing us to focus on relevant
information while disregarding distractions. For example, consider attending a lecture and a
noisy cafe. Our cognitive filter enables you to concentrate on the lecturer's words while tuning
out the background chatter. This process reflects how attention reduces environmental
complexity, akin to the “cocktail party effect,” where I like your name may override the filter
momentarily.
Another model of attention is as a spotlight, focusing on specific aspects of the environment. In
this model, attention shifts to areas of interest, much like moving a flashlight beam in a dark
room. Suppose you are searching for a friend in a crowd. Your attentional spotlight sequentially
highlights individuals until you locate your friend. This model is supported by research showing
reaction times are faster for stimuli within the “ spotlight” and slower for peripheral targets. This
highlights the selective nature of attention and managing cognitive load.
Attention is also described as a limited mental capacity, emphasizing that cognitive resources
are finite. This limitation is evident in multitasking scenarios, such as driving while using a
phone. When attention is divided between two tasks, performance on one are both tasks
deteriorates. This underscores the necessity of allocating cognitive resources strategically and
prioritizing more demanding or critical tasks. This also shows how our mental capacity governs
the quality of attention we can distribute.
An additional role of attention is serving as feature glue, binding individual sensory elements
into cohesive perceptions. Treisman's feature-integration Theory explains that features like color
and shape are processed automatically but require conscientious attention to integrate into
recognizable objects. For instance, identifying a red ball among a pile of toys requires attention
to combine its red color and round shape. Without this integration, the features would remain
unconnected and meaningless. This process is essential for object recognition and effective
interaction with our environment.
Together, these models illustrate the complexity and versatility of attention, which adapts to
various demands and situations. Whether acting as a filter, Spotlight, limited resource, or feature
glue, attention helps us process and organize sensory input. Each mechanism contributes to our
ability to focus on what is important while managing competing demands. These Frameworks
collectively highlight how attention underpins many aspects of our cognitive functioning.
Understanding these models can provide insights into both everyday tasks and clinical conditions
where attention is impaired.

References
McBride, D. M., & Cutting, J. C. (2018). Cognitive psychology: Theory, process, and
methodology. Thousand Oaks, SAGE Publications.
file:///C:/Users/Crisc/Downloads/Cognitive%20Psychology%202nd%20Edition%20by
%20Dawn%20M.%20McBride%3B%20John%20Cooper%20Cutting
%20%E2%80%93%20PDF%20ebook_.pdf

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