This document discusses types of attention and factors that affect attention. There are two types of non-volitional attention: enforced and spontaneous. Volitional attention can be implicit or explicit. Attention can be affected by both external factors like the nature, intensity, contrast and repetition of a stimulus, as well as internal factors such as a person's interests, motives and mental set. The document provides examples to illustrate different types of attention and influencing factors.
2. Attention
When one concentrates on something
using our consciousness, it can be termed
as Attention.
Example: In a railway station, you may hear
the announcement(your attention please)
for the passengers.
Behavioral Psychology
4. Non-Volitional Attention
Attention without making any conscious
efforts is called Non-Volitional Attention.
There are two sub categories under Non-
Volitional Attention viz. enforced and
spontaneous.
Enforced: Sustained by instinct
Example: A mother’s love for her child
Spontaneous: Sustained by sentiments
Example: Love at first sight
Behavioral Psychology
5. Volitional Attention
When our attention is out of will, then it is
termed at Volitional Attention.
The types of Volitional Attention are as
follows:
Implicit: Obtained by a single act of will
Example: If a student does not complete his
homework, then the teacher warns him.
Explicit: Obtained by a repeated act of will
Example: Students at the 11th hour have an
attention of this type against all distractions.
Behavioral Psychology
6. Factors affecting Attention
The factors affecting attention are:
External Factors- factors or characteristics
which are outside the stimuli or situations
Internal Factors- factors or characteristics
which depend on interest, motives, basic
needs and urges.
Behavioral Psychology
7. External Factors
Nature of the stimulus- effective stimulus
attracts more than an ineffective
stimulus(human paintings appeal more than
animals)
Intensity and Size of the stimulus: bright
colours and large objects attract more
Contrast, change and variety: focus shifts
on the unusual things(red dot in black &
white)
Behavioral Psychology
8. External Factors
Repetition of stimulus: repetition of stimulus
grabs attention(advertisement)
Movement of the stimulus: movement in the
stimulus is more catchy than a still
one(moving lights)
Behavioral Psychology
9. Internal Factors
Interest: objects that interest are paid
attention
Motives: motive is key driving factor behind
one’s attention(we pay attention in class
because of the motive behind it)
Mental set: person thinks in the way he is
trained to(slightest of doubt during exams
ponders you)
Behavioral Psychology