What is attention? Features, qualities, forms and objects of attention

As you know, attention in the life of every person plays a big role. But not everyone knows that there is a fairly large number of its types, forms and qualities, the characteristics of which differ significantly from each other.

The notion of attention

Attention is not an independent cognitive process. If we ask the question about what is attention, then we can say that in itself it does not show anything and does not exist separately . However, it is one of the most important components in the cognitive activity, since it creates and manages the functioning. Any cognitive activity is carried out consciously, so attention is also exercised by the function of consciousness.

As a rule, it is a special state of consciousness. Thanks to attention, various cognitive processes are directed and concentrated in order to more fully and accurately reflect the reality. In addition, this concept is closely related to many sensory and mental processes. And most of all, this connection is noticeable in sensations and numerous perceptions.

Characteristics of attention and its processes

1. Stability is presented in the form of a duration of attracting attention to the same objects or to the same tasks.
2. The process of concentration and form of attention is an increase in the intensity of signals, when the field of perception is limited. They offer a long delay of attention on some object, and also distract from other influences that do not matter to a person at that moment.
3. Concentration is visible as a result of concentration on a specific object in order to obtain the most complete information and necessary data about it.
4. The distribution function and the processes of attention are considered subjectively experienced ability to keep a specific number of different objects at the same time.
5. The method of switching is the degree of speed of the transition from a certain one activity to a completely different one (in the presence of absent-mindedness there is a bad switchability).
6. The subject matter is connected, first of all, with the ability to identify any signals according to the task, significance, relevance and so on.

Main types of attention

Attention is shown through sensory and intellectual processes, as well as through practical actions using the goals and objectives of various
Activities. Due to this, there are such basic types of attention: motor, sensory, intentional, intellectual and unintentional.

The magnitude of the volume is determined by the number of objects, where you can direct and concentrate the subject's attention in specific seconds of time. It is calculated through special devices - tachistoscopes. In a moment a person can turn his attention to several objects present at once, as a rule, their number ranges from four to six.

Motor Attention

What is attention is known to many, and if we are talking about its motor form, then it is characterized by certain additions. As a rule, motor attention is usually directed to the movement and actions that are committed by a person. It allows you to more firmly and clearly understand the different techniques and methods that
Are applied in practice. Motor type of attention controls movements and actions, and also controls them. They are usually aimed at a particular subject, especially when they have to be very clear and clear.

Sensory attention

Sensory attention can arise when objects act on sensitive organs. Such forms of attention provide a fairly clear reflection of all objects and their characteristics. This is manifested in the present sensations of man. Because of the sensory attention, images that can arise in the mind are clear and distinct objects. Such a variety can be visual, auditory, olfactory and so on. As a rule,
People especially visual and auditory types of it, the first of which are studied best in psychology, as they are fairly easy to understand and fix.

Intellectual attention

The quality of attention of an intellectual kind is directed to more serious functioning and effective work of such necessary cognitive processes as thinking, memory and imagination. Because of this, a person is much better able to remember and reproduce the information received, as well as create clearer images in the process of imagination and think productively. Due to the fact that such a species is characterized by an internal character and almost inaccessible for research, it is least studied, and it is difficult to give a clear definition of what is attention.

Arbitrary attention

Arbitrary or deliberate attention occurs when a person has an objective or task to be attentive to some object and to mental actions. As a rule, this kind of attention is directed to the regulation of sensory and motor processes, as well as internal cognitive actions. A deliberate variety may well become arbitrary in those cases when a person needs to exercise strong-willed efforts, so that his attention is directed and focused on a certain subject that should be learned.

Arbitrary is still called active or volitional. The characteristic of attention of this variety lies in the fact that the immediate initiative of its origin belongs to man, and the method of its appearance is already realized through the efforts and will of the subject.

When the focus of attention is closely related to a conscious goal, then this is a so-called arbitrary form, which naturally accompanies human activity. It appears in those situations when the subject is absorbed in any activity. In addition, such attention is closely related to the system of associations. This can be very important when the object of attention continues to fix the goal, but at the same time it destroys the willful effort. This species begins its manifestation in those cases when the activity becomes more fascinating and is carried out without any special efforts.

With regard to the conditions for the formation of an arbitrary type of attention, it is possible to single out a clear statement of purpose, systematic organization of work, application of the properties of mental activity, the ability to concentrate for a long time. These are the main features of attention of this kind.

Involuntary attention

In the same situation, when focus and concentration are of an involuntary nature, there is actual involuntary attention. One of the basic forms of this type is considered to be an installation, that is, a state of complete readiness or a person's predisposition to some action.

Unintentional (involuntary) variety of attention appears independently without a definite purpose on the part of the subject. It causes significant for a person the quality of various objects and numerous phenomena. The characteristic of this type of attention is that the novelty of the subject is the main of its manifestations and provoking factors.

In addition, involuntary attention can attract many bright stimuli (sudden light, loud noises, sharp smells and others). In some cases, this kind can cause and not too visible stimuli (when they fully correspond to the interests, needs and attitudes of the person).

With involuntary attention, a great deal of importance belongs to the design of the text (especially in children's books). This form primarily depends on various external properties of stimuli and is forced, and it does not last long. Internal causes of involuntary attention are presented in anticipation of some specific impressions. Therefore, before starting to read, it is important to draw an approximate idea of this book.

Attention value

In general, the features of attention are such that it is the main condition for the successful outcome of any intellectual activity. Its functions represent the improvement of other types of work to which it is fixed, but it does not have its own special active product. In addition, in some sources in psychology, one can read that attention is an organization of mental activity through which perceptions, sensations, thoughts are perceived more clearly than others, and the latter, in turn, go to the background or are not perceived at all.

Thus, attention is a consciously regulated concentration on an object. It does not depend on the present properties of this object (attractiveness, external and internal qualities, interest of the observer). It is fixed by the person himself, depending on his activity.

If a person approximately knows what attention is, then he understands that the good result and success of different jobs depend precisely on how correctly the goal is set and how the stages for achieving it are planned. Also of great importance is the moment associated with the degree of clarity of the direction of his efforts in the process of activity.