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The Open University

Attention

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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What does 'attention' mean to you? This free course, Attention, will help you to examine how we 'pay attention'. How do we manage to single out sounds and images that require attention and how easy is it to distract someone and why.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Auditory attention
  • 1 Auditory attention
  • 1.1 Introduction
  • 1.2 Disentangling sounds
  • 1.3 Attending to sounds
  • 1.4 Eavesdropping on the unattended message
  • 1.5 Summary of Section 1
  • 2 Visual attention
  • 2 Visual attention
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Knowing about unseen information
  • 2.3 Towards a theory of parallel processing
  • 2.4 Rapid serial visual presentation
  • 2.5 Masking and attention
  • 2.6 Summary of Section 2
  • 3 Integrating information in clearly-seen displays
  • 3 Integrating information in clearly-seen displays
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Serial and parallel search
  • 3.3 Non-target effects
  • 3.4 The ‘flanker’ effect
  • 3.5 Summary of Section 3
  • 4 Attention and distraction
  • 4 Attention and distraction
  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 The effects of irrelevant speech
  • 4.3 Attending across modalities
  • 4.4 Summary of Section 4
  • 5 The neurology of attention
  • 5 The neurology of attention
  • 5.1 Introduction
  • 5.2 The effects of brain damage
  • 5.3 Event-related potentials
  • 5.4 Summary of Section 5
  • 6 Concluding thoughts
  • 6 Concluding thoughts
  • Further reading
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

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Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

3.4 rating at OpenLearn based on 5 ratings

Start your review of Attention

  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    17
    Having completed this course, I found its descriptions to be accurate, and the certificate of participation was duly issued as stated, with the time commitment aligning perfectly with the initial estimate. The intellectual exploration of auditory and visual attention mechanisms, from Broadbent's filter theory to Treisman's feature-integration, was profoundly insightful. This knowledge is a significant asset, as it equips me with a understanding of cognitive processes essential for roles demanding high-level focus, efficient information filtering, and effective multitasking. For any employer, this expertise directly enhances productivity and error reduction in complex, attention-demanding environments.
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