As you know, attention in the life of every person plays a big role. But not everyone knows that there is a fairly vast number of its types, forms and qualities, the characteristics of which differ significantly from each other.
Concept of attention
Attention is not an independent cognitive process. If you ask a question about what attention is, then we can say that in itself it shows nothing and does not exist separately . However, it is one of the most important components in the composition of cognitive activity, as it creates and controls functioning. Any cognitive activity is carried out consciously, therefore, attention also carries out the function of consciousness.
As a rule, it is a special state of consciousness. Thanks to attention, various cognitive processes are directed and focused in order to more fully and clearly reflect reality. In addition, this concept is closely related to many sensory and mental processes. And most of all, this connection is noticeable in sensations and numerous perceptions.
Characteristics of attention and its processes
- Sustainability is presented as the duration of attracting attention to the same objects or to the same tasks.
- The process of concentration and forms of attention are an increase in the intensity of signals when the field of perception is limited. They offer a long delay in attention at some object, and also distract from other influences that are not important for a person at this moment.
- Focus is visible as a result of concentration on a particular object in order to obtain the most complete information and the necessary data about it.
- The distribution function and attention processes are considered to be the subjectively experienced ability to hold a specific number of different objects at the same time.
- The switchability method is the degree of rate of transition from a certain one type of activity to a completely different one (in the case of absent-mindedness, there is poor switchability).
- Subjectivity is primarily associated with the ability to highlight any signals according to the task, significance, relevance, and so on.
The main types of attention
Attention is manifested through sensory and intellectual processes, as well as through practical actions using goals and objectives of various
activities. Due to this, there are such basic types of attention: motor, sensory, intentional, intelligent and unintentional.
The size of the volume is determined by the number of objects where you can direct and concentrate the subject's attention in specific seconds of time. It is calculated through special instruments - tachistoscopes. In an instant, a person can turn his attention to several objects present at once, as a rule, their number is from four to six.
Motor attention
What attention is known to many, and if we are talking about its motor form, then it is characterized by certain additions. As a rule, motor attention is usually directed to the movement and actions that are performed by a person. It allows you to more firmly and clearly understand the various techniques and methods that
applied in practice. A motor kind of attention controls and controls movements and actions. They, as a rule, are aimed at a specific subject, especially when they are required to be very precise and clear.
Sensory attention
Sensory attention can occur when objects act on sensitive organs. Such forms of attention provide a fairly clear reflection of all objects and their characteristics. This is manifested in the present sensations of a person. Due to sensory attention, the images that may arise in the mind are clear and distinct objects. Such a variety can be visual, auditory, olfactory, and so on. As a rule
its visual and auditory species are especially manifested, the first of which are best studied in psychology, since they are quite easy to understand and fix.
Intellectual attention
Qualities of attention of an intellectual kind are aimed at more serious functioning and effective work of such necessary cognitive processes as thinking, memory and imagination. Because of this, a person can remember and reproduce the information received much better, as well as create clearer images in the process of imagination and think productively. Due to the fact that this species is characterized by the presence of an internal character and is almost inaccessible for research, it is the least studied, so it is difficult to clearly define what attention is.
Arbitrary attention
Arbitrary or deliberate attention appears when a person has a goal or task to be attentive to some object and to mental actions. As a rule, this kind of attention is directed to the regulation of sensory and motor processes, as well as internal cognitive actions. A deliberate variety may well become arbitrary in those cases when a person needs to exercise volitional efforts so that his attention is directed and focused on a specific subject that should be cognized.
Arbitrary is also called active or strong-willed. The characteristic of the attention of this species is that the direct initiative of its occurrence belongs to man, and the method of its appearance is already carried out through the effort and will of the subject.
When the focus of attention is closely related to the conscious goal, then we are talking about the so-called arbitrary form, which naturally accompanies human activity. It appears in those situations when the subject is absorbed in some activity. In addition, such attention is closely related to the system of associations. This can be very relevant when the object of attention continues to fix the goal, but at the same time it destroys volitional effort. This species begins to manifest itself in those cases when the activity becomes more exciting and is carried out without any special effort.
As for the conditions for the formation of an arbitrary type of attention, here we can distinguish a clear goal setting, the systematic organization of work, the application of the properties of mental activity, the ability to concentrate for a long time. These are the main features of attention of this kind.
Involuntary attention
In the same situation, when the focus and concentration are involuntary in nature, involuntary attention is actual. One of the main forms of this type is installation, that is, a state of complete readiness or a person’s predisposition to any action. 
An unintentional (involuntary) kind of attention appears on its own without a specific goal on the part of the subject. It is caused by the essential for a person qualities of various objects and numerous phenomena. The characteristic of attention of this species is reduced to the fact that the novelty of the subject is the main of its manifestations and provoking factors.
In addition, many bright irritants (sudden light, loud noises, pungent smells and others) can attract involuntary attention. In some cases, this species can cause not too visible irritants (when they are fully consistent with the interests, needs and attitudes of a person).
With involuntary attention, the design of the text (especially in children's books) is of rather great importance. This form primarily depends on the various external properties of the stimuli and is forced in nature, and it does not last long. Internal causes of involuntary attention are presented in anticipation of some specific impressions. Therefore, before you start reading, it is important to make an approximate idea of this book.
Meaning of attention
In general, the features of attention are such that it is the main condition for the successful outcome of any intellectual activity. Its functions are the improvement of other types of work to which it is fixed, but at the same time it does not have its own special active product. In addition, in some psychology sources it can be read that attention is such an organization of mental activity by which perceptions, sensations, thoughts are realized more clearly than the others, and the latter, in turn, fade into the background or not at all.
Thus, attention is a consciously controlled focus on an object. It does not depend on the present properties of this subject (attractiveness, external and internal qualities, observer's interest). It is fixed thanks to the person himself, depending on his activities.
If a person approximately knows what attention is, then he understands that a good result and the success of various work depends on how the goal is set correctly and how the steps to achieve it are planned. Also important is the moment associated with the degree of clarity of the direction of his efforts in the process of activity.