Did you know that there are different types of care in psychology? Although it is customary to talk about attention as a single process, the truth is that, depending on the circumstance, the mind may or may not activate a particular type of attention. Furthermore, attention is one of the main functions of the human mind. In fact, without it it would be almost impossible to remember, learn and internalize the relevant information and stimuli offered by the environment that surrounds us.
Furthermore, this cognitive-behavioral process is what allows us to determine which aspects of the environment are important at that moment. Without attention we could not think, solve problems or communicate effectively with others. So that you know more details about how the human mind can focus the elements, in this Psychology-Online article you will discover What are the types of care and their characteristics?.
General characteristics of care
There are several types of attention in psychology. Furthermore, this is not a unitary process. Rather, it comprises a set of cognitive and behavioral factors, in which the frontal lobe, the reticular system and the parietal lobe are involved to process stimuli, as well as information that occurs internally and externally.
In fact, many researchers, such as the philosopher and writer William James in 1980, affirm that attention is not only noticing the stimuli, but also manifesting the focus to filter the most salient elements of the situation, according to each person’s personal reality. In this way, these stimuli can be emotionally associated. Coupled with that, attention has three fundamental aspects:
- It is limited: it has a capacity and a specific duration.
- It is selective: because it is limited, it is important to focus on what deserves attention.
- It is cognitive and behavioral: attention is a fundamental part of the cognitive process, helps survival and can modify aspects of behavior.
Now that you know what the main characteristics are, let’s look at the types of attention in psychology:
Depending on the involvement of the subject
According to the involvement that the subject has in the object or stimulus, it can be said that there are three types of attention:
- Passive attention: it is that which is effortlessly attracted. That is, it is a perceptual response to stimuli that are striking. For example, when you hear a knock, a noise or see something that attracts attention. Furthermore, when this type of attention is activated, the response will be immediate.
- Voluntary and active attention: also known as deliberate attention. As its name indicates, it is what occurs when we consciously focus on a particular stimulus, since it interests us for a specific purpose or out of simple curiosity. It is usually an attention that responds to a motivation. For example, when we need to learn some academic content or when we are practicing a musical instrument.
- Involuntary and active attention: in this type of attention, the stimulus is what attracts interest of the person. For example, when children watch a television program and try to associate it with another image that they already know. In addition, apps, games and even social networks can attract involuntary and active attention, since they imperceptibly awaken emotions and stimulate the senses.
Depending on the degree of psychological activation
Likewise, attention can be given according to the degree of psychological activation caused by the stimulus. In this sense, they are classified into the following types:
- Sustained attention: is the type of attention in which we can concentrate on a stimulus for a long and considerable period of time. This is a very important capability. Above all, in academic and learning activities, since it allows you to fully focus on a task for a long period of time.
- Selective attention: it is the ability to focus on a specific task. That is, it is the ability to filter, between different stimuli, one in particular, eliminating other distractions.
- Divided attention: in this type of attention, the person can alternate their interest between several stimuli, thus distributing the intention in a focused manner. In other words, this type of attention allows us to react or give two responses to various demands. Therefore, it also gives way to multitasking. A very common example of this type of attention is driving a car.
- Alternating attention: in this case, it is the ability to change the focus of attention alternately between different stimuli.
- Focused attention: is that type of attention that focuses on a single stimulus. For example, focusing on a visual or auditory stimulus. Furthermore, it is a fundamental type of care to respond to situations that demand a quick response.
Depending on the modality
According to the sensory modality through which the subject receives the stimulus, the following types of attention can be classified:
- Visual attention: refers to the ability to concentrate on a specific element in a certain visual field. Also, it is usually called visual perception and is supported by the spatial perception of objects.
- Auditory attention: this type of attention is what is captured through the auditory sense. That is, people can focus their focus on some particular sounds.
Other types of care in psychology
There are other types of care that are very relevant, such as:
- Excitatory attention: It is also known as “arousal” due to its English translation. Explicitly, it has to do with the attention that is linked to excitement or exaltation. For example, the one that occurs in alert situations and that releases a large amount of energy.
- Covert attention: it is a capacity that allows you to focus your attention without apparently feeling the action. That is, we are not aware of the cognitive focus at that time.
- Open attention: it is a type of attention that is accompanied by motor responses that increase concentration levels. In other words, in open attention you can observe body movements that support the focus of attention. For example, moving your head when someone is talking to you.
- Broad internal attention: it is the ability to focus on different internal stimuli at the same time. A simple and clear example of this type of attention is when we reflect on situations that cause us fear to find the possible cause.
- Reduced internal attention: In this type of attention, the focus is on few internal stimuli. For example, when you learn to do a specific yoga posture or some exercise.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Ballesteros, S. (2014b). Selective attention modulates information processing and implicit memory. Psychological Action, 11(1), 7-20.
- Vivanco, R. (2009). Involuntary Attention: Clinical and electrophysiological aspects. Author: Psic. Rev. Ecuat. Neurol. VOL 18 N° 1-2, 2009. http://revecuatneurol.com/magazine_issue_article/la-atencion-involuntaria-aspectos-clinicos-y-electrofisiologicos/