What is "Attention"?

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Attention is  "mental focus" or
"the ability to focus the mind"  (medicinenet.com)

Attention underlies the cognitive process through which the brain processes sensory information into thought.

We may "see" an orange flower in a field, for example. But it is actually the BRAIN that "sees."

"Seeing" involves sensory intake and processing.

Within a fraction of a second, receptors in the eyes take in the visual stimulation of the flower. The information is encoded and sent to the brain in the form of a tiny electrical charge.

Attention is the "binding" mechanism

The brain then analyzes the data by its components-- such as color, shape, form, movement, distance, patterns, scent--then "puts the details together" or "binds" them into a "mental picture" (as electromagnetic energy).

Attention allows the brain to put together colors and shapes.

Damage to the brain, however, can impair attention, causing us to lose the ability to process or interpret what we see.

Attention plays a crucial role in learning, memory and cognition.

MI Posner et al., How Arts Training Influences Cognition

Working memory is the foundation for attention. When we have poor short-term memory, we have poor attention and lack the ability to focus for any length of time.

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How the Brain is Wired for Attention
Cellular Mechanisms for Attention in the Brain Uncovered

"To have clarity of cognition, the brain needs to satisfy a basic need to comprehend shapes.

"Initially, attention occurs as we make a mental connection to shape in the brain.

"Then, as we understand that shapes make up letters and letters make up the alphabet, we form the ability to have focused attention."

Maureen Del Giacco, Ph.D., LCAT