attentional spotlight

attentional spotlight

1. cannot process everything in visual field - attentional spotlight describes metaphorically how one part of field has priority - little processing outside that area - zoom lens analogy

2. reversible figures e.g. Rubin's face/vases suggest spotlight is on an object rather than an area

3. Driver & Bayliss found attention directed to items grouped with common movement even if they were not near each other

4. idea is important as it postulates we have some control over what we process - attention is selective

   • attention involves higher cognitive processes such as expectancy - attention can be switched to where you expect something to appear
   • sometimes have little control e.g. perceptual load is high - attentional tunnelling can occur
   • do not have complete control over where the spotlight is e.g. loud noise or sudden movement distracts (stimulus-induced shift of attention) - may also be affected my motivational factors e.g. hunger