Question

State the determinants of selective attention. How does selective attention differ from sustained attention?

Answer 1

The determinants of selective attention are the following:

(i) The external factors: These are the features of stimuli such as size, intensity, shape, etc.

(ii) The internal factors: These are present within the individual and can be divided into motivational factors and cognitive factors.

• Motivational factors represent our biological and social needs. Instances of the same are the drivers strictly following all the traffic rules.

• Cognitive factors represent the interests, attitudes, and preparatory set. For instance, an average teenager would be more interested in watching a cricket match than reading a novel.

Selective attention differs from sustained attention as sustained attention is primarily concerned with concentration and refers to the ability to maintain attention on an object for even for a long duration. Contrary to this, selective attention is related to the selection of a limited number of stimuli from a larger group of stimuli.