Selective Attention Definition
The cognitive process through which we focus on specific aspects of our environment while filtering out other stimuli
Why is our attention selective?
- we have limited cognitive resources
- need to be able to quickly select relevant info
Benefits of selective attention
- Process relevant info faster
- reduce distraction
- Optimize perception, understanding and performance
Cost of Selective Attention
- Can contribute to perceptual biases like confirmation bias
- Might limit our openness to alternative perspectives
Endogenous Attention System
DORSAL (Top-down)
- Goal directed, self produced
- Relies on cognitive control
- Voluntary selection of stimuli and responses
Exogenous Attention System
- VENTRAL (Bottom-up)
- Lateralized to right hemisphere
- Stimulus-driven
- Automatic orientation to behaviourally relevant stimuli
Where do we inegrate different types of signals?
Right Angular Gyrus (rAG)
–> Integrate external and self-produced signals, which are produced separately
External Focus
- rAG acts as a circuit breaker
- Interrupts dorsal system in reponse to salient external events
Internal focus
- When dIPFC detects self-produced signals it inhibits the rAG to mantain internal focus
Selective sensory filtering definition
To maintain a balance between goal-directed focus and external stimuli
Sensory gating definition
Process of filtering irrelevant stimuli
‘Leaky’ sensory gating definition
Reduced ability to block sensory distractions, lets irrelevant stimuli enter awareness
Selective Sensory Filter leads to ….
Flexible attention, divergent thinking = high cognitive control
—> Creative achievement
Leaky Sensory filter leads to…
Leaky attention
IF HIGH COG CONTROL = creative achievement
IF LOW COG CONTROL = attention disorders or psychopathology
Is leaky attention always bad?
No. If u have cognitive control, it can lead to great, unexpected creativity. Without cc tho, it can be bad
Flexible attention
- Enables controlled shifts between diff perspectives, levels of detail etc
- Supports structured creativity
- Divergent thinking
