Attention Worksheet

PSY/360 Version 5

Catherine Snowden
PSY/360
April 11, 2016
Dr, Gerald Thauberger

University of Phoenix Material

Attention Worksheet
Respond to the following questions in 100 to 150 words each.
1. How do you define the concept of attention?
Willingham (2007), attention can be understood to mean the mechanism for continued cognitive
processing (p. 108). Therefore, some preliminary cognitive processing occurs with or without
attention, and that attention affords further processing. Attention refers to how an individual
vigorously process certain information that is available in the environment. Attention takes
control of an individuals mind in a vivid and clear form. Assume that attention is a highlighter.
Anything highlighted stands out, or has attention drawn to it, which causes an individual to focus
his or her interest on that particular area or aspect. An individual tunes out non-relevant
information, perceptions, and sensations at any moment and focuses on the energy of importance
because of attention (Cherry, 2016). Attention has two properties; limitation and selectiveness.
An individual can only place certain amounts of attention on one subject at a time. Attention is
selective and placed only on one or another cognitive process as an individual sees fit
(Willingham, 2007).
2. Can attention be consciously allocated to tasks? Why or why not?
Yes, attention is knowingly assigned to tasks however it is similarly involuntarily allotted to
tasks. The allocation of attention is a task in which a person possesses power over and doesnt
have power over. If two or more tasks utilize different sensory input and output paths then a

Copyright 2015, 2014 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Attention Worksheet
PSY/360 Version 5

person can allocate attention to those tasks. Individuals hold the capability to allocate attention to
multiple tasks if they use different sensory input and output paths. The brain similarly holds the
capability of giving attention to a task during which performing other tasks. For example, there
are particular tasks, like body functions in which a person does not knowingly afford attention to.
The brain holds the capability to control respiratory functions and a persons heart pulsations.
Thus, particular aspects of attention are unconsciously allocated. Also attention is allocated as a
result of habit essentially if a persons brain remains concentrated on a single stimulus. In this
case, attention and cognitive manipulation come to be automatic and amalgamated, and in turn
carries on the action beyond and persons conscious control.
3. What is the relationship between attention and cognition?
Science Daily (2016), attention is the cognitive process of selectively concentrating on one
thing while ignoring other things (p. 1). There is an interconnected association concerning
cognition and attention. There is a direct connection joining cognition and attention. Willingham
(2007), attention can be understood to mean the mechanism for continued cognitive processing
(p. 108). Cognition is a allusion to the thought process. Cognition has a considerable influence
on attention and attention holds a considerable influence on cognition. In basic terms, cognition
is a process of cogitation that occurs in an persons mind which generally has an effect on a
persons learning and attention pertains to a persons capability of concentrating on desired
information or desired activity for a specific time period. A individuals capacity to retain
attention on a specific subject matter is essential for a persons cognitive processes for learning
to take place. The intensification of the capacity to concentrate for particular lengths of time
enriches a persons cognition. Conversely, as soon as attention difficulties arise they effectually
inhibit the learning and cognization process

Copyright 2015, 2014 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Attention Worksheet
PSY/360 Version 5

References
Galotti, K. M. (2014). Cognitive psychology in and out of the laboratory (5th ed.). Thousand
Oaks, CA: SAGE.

Cherry, K. (2016). What is Attention?. About.com: Psychology. Retrieved from

http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/f/attention.htm.

ScienceDaily. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/a/attention.htm.

Willingham, D. T. (2007). Cognition: The thinking animal (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Copyright 2015, 2014 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.