(1) Breadth of Attention
1. Meaning
The breadth of attention (attention span) refers to the number of objects that consciousness can clearly grasp at the same time. The average breadth of attention for most people is 7+2 units (chunks).
2. Factors Influencing
(1) Characteristics of objects: The more concentrated, orderly arranged, similar in color, and internally connected the objects are, the greater the breadth of attention.
(2) Activity tasks: The more numerous and complex the tasks of an activity, the smaller the breadth of attention.
(3) Personal knowledge and experience: The more abundant one's knowledge and experience, the greater the breadth of attention.
(2) Stability of Attention
1. Meaning
The stability of attention refers to the ability to maintain attention on selected objects for a certain period of time.
2. Factors Influencing
(1) Subjective state of individuals: Clear purpose, high sense of responsibility, strong willpower, and strong interest in things can enhance the stability of attention.
(2) Characteristics of attention objects: Rich content objects are easier to maintain attention on compared to monotonous objects, and dynamic objects are easier to maintain attention on compared to fixed objects.
3. Attention Dispersion (Distraction)
The phenomenon where attention deviates from the intended object and is attracted by unrelated objects.
4. Attention Fluctuation (Attentional Oscillation)
The temporary fluctuation of attention within a short period of time, caused by sensory adaptation and rhythmic changes in physiological processes. Attentional fluctuations always occur in any complex cognitive activity.
(3) Allocation of Attention
1. Meaning
The allocation of attention refers to the phenomenon of directing attention to two or more objects at the same time and engaging in multiple different activities simultaneously.
2. Factors Influencing
(1) Proficiency or automation level of concurrent activities: If individuals are highly proficient or have reached an automated level in these activities, attention allocation is easier; otherwise, it is more difficult.
(2) Nature and inherent connections of concurrent activities: Generally, attention allocation is easier for motor skills compared to intellectual activities.
(4) Attention Shift
1. Meaning
Attention shift refers to the phenomenon of attention transferring from one object to another due to task changes.
Tip:
The difference between attention shift and attention dispersion is that attention shift is active.
2. Factors Influencing
(1) Level of tension in the original attention: The higher the tension, the more difficult and slower the shift.
(2) Nature of the new object: The stronger the attractiveness and alignment with needs and interests, the easier and faster the shift.
(3) Individual's inherent neural type and habits.
Tip:
The "quality of attention" and "types of attention" partially overlap in terms of knowledge, which is caused by different textbooks. "Quality of attention" is from Liang Ningjian's "Introduction to Psychology," while "types of attention (based on the quality of attention)" is from Peng Danling's "General Psychology." When studying, there is no need to be confused. This knowledge can be classified as either types of attention or quality of attention.
At the same time, it also reminds us that the textbooks for entrance exams are just a "reference." The key to learning lies in "emphasizing the important and minimizing the trivial" and "making it useful for oneself."