- Definition:
- Attention is the set of evolved brain processes that allow for adaptive and effective behavioral selection.
- It enables organisms to prioritize relevant stimuli according to goals and ignore irrelevant information, underpinning perception, memory, and action .
- Neuropsychological Elements (Mirsky Model):
- Attention is multi-component, including
- Sustained attention (vigilance)
- Selective attention
- Divided attention
- Executive control
- These are linked to separable neuroanatomical systems and can be independently measured with neuropsychological tests .
- Brain Networks:
- Fronto-parietal networks (especially the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex) play major roles, along with the anterior cingulate, insula, and thalamus .
- Three Major Attention Networks (Posner & Petersen):
- Alerting: Maintains a state of readiness.
- Orienting: Directs attention to specific stimuli or spatial locations.
- Executive (Control): Resolves conflicts and selects relevant stimuli for processing .
- Mechanisms:
- Attention operates through both top-down (goal-driven/executive) and bottom-up (stimulus-driven/reflex) processes, mediated by distinct but interacting brain networks .
- Development & Individual Differences:
- Attention networks arise early in development and underlie individual differences (e.g., effortful control/self-regulation in children, size of anterior cingulate cortex correlates with executive attention ability) .
- Clinical Relevance:
- Impairments in any component of attention are seen in conditions such as ADHD, neglect syndrome, and after brain injury. These can manifest as deficits in sustaining, dividing, or controlling focus .
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