Attention

Attention is the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what may seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought… It implies withdrawal from some things in order to deal effectively with others. — William James

Attention is the ability to actively process specific information in our perceptual field. We could think of attention as bolding the important words in the article we are writing or highlighting the section that we are reading.

It's not just about centering our focus on one particular thing; it also involves our ignoring a great deal of extraneous information and stimuli. Attention allows us to "tune out" information, sensations, and perceptions that are not relevant at the moment and instead focus our energy on the information that is relevant.​

During this time, we keep our Concentration, our Focus, on the task at hand and continue to engage in a behavior until the task is complete. We may have to focus our attention on a specific item or activity in our environment while ignoring a great number of other items – external distractions, such as television, and internal distractions, such as emotions, in order to stay on task.

Soccer Scenario

I’m Helen Rosinski, head coach of the freshmen high school girls’ soccer team; the Impalas. Last week, I talked to my players about Perception and Awareness; the need to know what’s happening all around them. This week, I talked to them about Attention and Focus. I gave them some hints on how to focus their attention; especially in high stress situations.

I think that helped Peggy win the game for us today.

Later that evening, Peggy’s mother is on the phone with her mother.

“Oh, I have to tell you what Peggy did today in the soccer game. Better yet, I’ll have Peggy tell you.”

“Hi, Grammy, I”m okay. Yes, I scored a goal near the end of the game and we won. Okay, put Gramps on the phone, too, on the speaker, and I’ll tell you both about it.’

“Really, Gramps? You played soccer in college? Intramurals, and you enjoyed playing it.”

“Okay, I’ll tell you all about it. I was on the right wing and I was working with two other players in our white uniforms. I got a sweat lead pass from Rita and I was a step ahead of a player in a red uniform. I tried to get around her and get off a shot on goal but she tried to cut me off and she really clobbered me. No, no, Granny, I’m fine - I just got some grass stains on my uniform. Anyway, the official awarded me a penalty kick.”

“Yes, I did it exactly the way Coach Rosinski told us to do it. I focussed so all that I was seeing was ME, the ball, the goalkeeper, and the goal. I focussed again on a spot on the bottom, left side of the ball, took a deep breath, and kicked it into the top right side of the goal.”

“The goalkeeper dived to her left and low.” “Yes, she really is a great coach.” “Love you, too. Here’s Mom.”

In sports settings, we usually use the term “Focus” rather than the more academic term “Attention” but we are talking about the same thing. “Focus on this free throw” so we will win this game.”I’m focused on making this short putt” so I can win that $5.00 bet.” “Focus on your release when you throw that javelin.” “You were really focussed when you picked up that 10 pin this time.”

You may remember your fifth grade teacher telling you, “Pay attention while I show you how to multiply these fractions.” Unfortunately you must not have “paid attention” when the salesman told you how to put your new chair together.