The psychology of attention

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction

2. Selective attention

3. Divided attention

4. Attentional set

5. Capacity and selection: theorizing about attention

6. Central processing limitations in sensorimotor tasks

7. Attention and memory

8. Automaticity, effort, and control

Views on attention have undergone continuous evolution since the early work of the 1950's. Since that time, the questions asked about attention, consciousness and control have changed, and evidence drawn into the debate comes not only from experimental psychology, but also from neurophysiology, neuropsychology and computational modelling. As evidence has accumulated, theories have changed and fundamental assumptions have been challenged. Rather than asking ""What is attention?"", people now consider ""Why does attentional behaviour appear the way it is?"" This textbook charts the development.