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Attention has been classified in a number bright, and moving stimuli easily catch our of ways. A process-oriented view divides it into attention. Stimuli, which are novel and two types, namely selective and sustained. moderately complex, also easily get into our We will briefly discuss the main features of focus. Studies indicate that human these types of attention. Sometimes we can photographs are more likely to be attended to also attend to two different things at the same than the photographs of inanimate objects. time. When this happens, it is called divided Similarly, rhythmic auditory stimuli are more attention. Box 4.1 describes when and how readily attended to than verbal narrations. the division of attention is possible. Sudden and intense stimuli have a wonderful capacity to draw attention. Selective Attention Internal factors lie within the individual. Selectiveattentionisconcernedmainlywiththe These may be divided into two main categories, viz. motivational factors and cognitive factors. selection of a limited number of stimuli or Motivational factors relate to our biological objects from a large number of stimuli. We or social needs. When we are hungry, we notice have already indicated that our perceptual system has a limited capacity to receive and even a faint smell of food. A student taking an process information. This means that it can examination is likely to focus on a teacher’s instructions more than other students. deal only with a few stimuli at a given moment Cognitive factors include factors like interest, of time. The question is, which of those stimuli will get selected and processed? Psychologists attitude,andpreparatoryset.Objectsorevents, have identified a number of factors that which appear interesting, are readily attended by individuals. Similarly we pay quick determine the selection of stimuli. attention to certain objects or events to which we are favourably disposed. Preparatory set Factors Affecting Selective Attention generates a mental state to act in a certain way Several factors influence selective attention. and readiness of the individual to respond to These generally relate to the characteristics of one kind of stimuli and not to others. stimuli and the characteristics of individuals. Theories of Selective Attention They are generally classified as “external” and “internal” factors. A number of theories have been developed to External factorsare related to the features explain the process of selective attention. We of stimuli. Other things held constant, the size, will briefly discuss three of these theories. intensity, and motion of stimuli appear to be Filter theory was developed by Broadbent important determinants of attention. Large, (1956). According to this theory, many stimuli Box 4.1 Divided Attention In day-to-day life we attend to several things atime. However, this becomes possible only with highly the same time. You must have seen people drivingpracticed activities, because they become almost a car and talking to a friend, or attending to phonematic and require less attention to perform than calls on a mobile set, or putting on sunglasses, or or slightly practiced activities. listening to music. If we watch them closely, we Automatic processing has three main will notice that they are still allocating more characteristics;(i)Itoccurswithoutintention,(ii)Ittakes to driving than to other activities, even thoughplace unconsciously, and (iii) It involves very little (or some attention is given to other activities. It no) thought processes (e.g., we can read words or tie indicates that on certain occasions attention caour shoelaces without giving any thought to these be allocated to more than one thing at the same activities). 64 Psychology Reprint 2026-27