Peer Responses to The Role of Attention in Cognitive Processing – Impact and Applications
Response to Awndra Smith
Hello,
Your discussion on selective and divided attention aptly highlights the critical role these aspects play in managing cognitive resources. Another theory that can be aligned with your arguments is Lavie’s Load Theory of Selective Attention, which was presented in 1995. This theory suggests that attention is mandatory when the perceptual load of an object or task is high. For example, if a particular task involves heavy object-based attention, selective attention is more effective in attending more to relevant stimuli than going for irrelevant stimuli. This goes well with your given example of hearing schoolwork in a noisy environment; this is probably because the high-cognition demands of schoolwork prevent one from perceiving the noise (Keller et al., 2019).
Like in other areas of life, selective attention and divided attention may also work hand in hand in an environment such as emergency response. Occupations with high levels of divided attention, such as firefighting, require both filtering out unrelated information and using parallel awareness in the evaluation of signs of structural collapse or people in need of assistance. The prefrontal cortex functions in the aspects of task switching and inhibition, which you also highlighted, come into play here to effectively tackle these cognitive requirements (Dyreborg et al., 2022). With awareness and practice to develop these mental facilitate functions, efficient emergency response teams and safer results will be achieved. Great work!
References
Dyreborg, J., Lipscomb, H. J., Nielsen, K., Törner, M., Rasmussen, K., Frydendall, K. B., Bay, H., Gensby, U., Bengtsen, E., Guldenmund, F., & Kines, P. (2022). Safety interventions for the prevention of accidents at work: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1234
Keller, A. S., Leikauf, J. E., Holt-Gosselin, B., Staveland, B. R., & Williams, L. M. (2019). Paying attention to attention in depression. Translational Psychiatry, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-019-0616-1
Response to Chelsea Carter
Hello,
Your explanation of selective attention, particularly through Treisman’s Attenuation Model, offers a comprehensive understanding of how we manage competing stimuli. Another model that complements your discussion is Broadbent’s Filter Model of Attention. This model suggests that information is processed through a filter that selects important stimuli based on physical characteristics before higher-level processing occurs (Marsh et al., 2019). This theory further elucidates why we can focus on specific stimuli, such as a conductor tuning into a soloist, while still being aware of the background harmonies, as you mentioned.
Engaging these theories in a different context, like healthcare, is a demonstration of their versatility. For example, in a noisy hospital setting, a nurse should focus on stimuli that are relevant to patients, such as changes in their condition, and filter out other noises. According to Treisman’s model, they mute the background information instead of filtering it out to still be in a position to process alerts from devices or changes in the clinical status of a patient at a sub-conscious level (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). Such knowledge may be useful in creating more effective training interventions that improve the selective and divided attention of nurses, thus improving patient outcomes. Perfect work!
References
Kwame, A., & Petrucka, P. M. (2021). A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: Barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nursing, 20(158), 1–10. BMC Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00684-2
Marsh, J. E., Campbell, T. A., Vachon, F., Taylor, P. J., & Hughes, R. W. (2019). How the deployment of visual attention modulates auditory distraction. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 82(1). https://doi.org/10.3758/s13414-019-01800-w
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Question 
PROMPT: Attention is a cognitive function that plays a central role in almost everything we do throughout the day. Based on this week’s readings, discuss the area/aspect of attention that you think is most important for or most influential on cognition. For example, when is vigilance or divided attention important for cognitive processing? Or how can unconscious processing influence our perception of an item? Be sure to support your opinions with specific terms and theories from the readings. How could you apply the ideas you have discussed to different settings, for example, in driving or advertising?
Peer Responses to The Role of Attention in Cognitive Processing – Impact and Applications
READING RESOURCES: Textbook: Cognitive Psychology Interactive eBook, Chapter 4
This chapter discusses the functions of attention, as well as failures of attention. Additionally, the role of conscious versus unconscious thought in cognition is addressed.