Among cognitive processes, attention is fundamental, since memory and thinking are formed on its basis. Attention allows you to select a specific object from the surrounding picture and concentrate on it.
What is the difference between voluntary attention and involuntary attention?
Attention is of two kinds: arbitrary and involuntary. Involuntary attention is characteristic of animals and humans from birth. In order for this process to work, a person does not need to make efforts. Involuntary attention appears as a result of the action of the stimulus on any analyzer. Such attention helps us to notice changes in the environment and respond to them in time. However, in addition to useful properties, involuntary attention also has negative consequences. It prevents us from concentrating on something specific, diverting ourselves to extraneous noises and movements.
Unlike involuntary, voluntary attention arises only through the efforts of the will of man. It helps to isolate the object of interest and work on it with the help of cognitive processes. An important property of voluntary attention is that it arises only through the willful processes of a person and can last as long as a person needs.
Development of voluntary attention
Arbitrary attention is formed in childhood. By the age of 4, some children show the ability to own this kind of attention. In the future, voluntary attention develops throughout the course of a lifetime.
To develop voluntary attention in an adult, you can use these tips:
- To accustom yourself to perform some kind of action, without being distracted, on the stretch
a certain time. For example, read a book, write a report. - Learn to notice unusual things in the ordinary. For example, during a walk try to see what he did not pay attention to before. When traveling in public transport, consider people, what they are wearing, what their expressions are.
- To solve Japanese puzzles, Sudoku, without being distracted by any stimuli.
4. Train your attention with the help of exercises:
- put the clock with the arrow in front of the TV and turn on an interesting transmission. Look at the minute hand for two minutes, not allowing attention to switch to the program;
- Draw a green large point on the center of the album sheet of paper. Place the sheet in front of you and look at the point, not coming off, for two minutes. Repeat the exercise every day.