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Cognition Module navigation.
Module Introduction
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Perception
Attention
Working Memory
Long-Term Memory
Decision Making
Workload Analysis
Summary
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Cognition > Attention - 2 of 10
 
 


Function

Selective focusing or "attention" determines what information is transmitted to working memory. The amount of stimuli that can be taken in by our sensory systems is considered to be unlimited. However, the amount of information that can be held in working memory is limited to 7 + 2 items.* Working memory, therefore, creates a "bottleneck" for incoming information. In a sense, it is a "bottleneck" with a purpose--otherwise we would be inundated with irrelevant stimuli. Attention is also influenced by:

  • Expectancy - We direct our sensory receptors--eyes, ears, nose, fingertips--to where we anticipate locating information within our environment. Surprise occurs when events differ from our expectation.**
  • Relevance - We seek information/stimuli relevant to our immediate tasks and our goals.**
    Capacity and Duration of Memory Components***

*Miller, G., "The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two: Some Limits on Our Capacity for Processing Information," The Psychological Review, 1956, vol. 63, pp. 81-97.
** Wickens, C.D., "Attention to Safety and the Psychology of Surprise," Keynote address: 2001 Symposium on Aviation Psychology: Ohio State University.
***Values for the duration of sensory and short-term memory will vary by study & researcher.

  
 

  

  
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