Concentrated is the attention directed to any one object or activity. For example, a person can concentrate on writing, listening, reading, doing some work, following a sports competition that has fascinated him, etc. In all these cases, his attention is focused only on one given type of activity and does not extend to others: when we are concentrated we read, we do not notice what is happening around us and often do not even hear the questions addressed to us; football players who are focused on the execution of the tactical combination they have conceived may not notice the tactical reception being prepared by the opposing team.
Focus is different a high degree intensity that makes it necessary condition success in performing certain types of activities that are important for a person: we require focused attention from students in a lesson, from an athlete at the start, from a surgeon during an operation, etc., since only with focused attention can these types of activities be performed successfully.
Distributed attention is called, directed simultaneously to several objects or activities. We are talking about distributed attention, when a student listens and simultaneously records a lecture, when a sports referee during a football match watches not just one, but all the players in his field of vision and notices the actions and mistakes of each of them, when the teacher explains lesson and at the same time monitors the behavior of students when the driver drives the car and at the same time carefully monitors all obstacles in his path, etc. In all these cases, the successful completion of the activity depends on the ability of a person to direct his attention simultaneously to several heterogeneous objects or actions.
With distributed attention, each of the types of activity covered by it proceeds with a relatively lower intensity of attention than when it is focused only on any one object or action. However, in general, distributed attention requires much more effort and expenditure of nervous energy from a person than concentrated attention.
Divided attention is a prerequisite successful implementation many complex types activities that, by their very structure, require the simultaneous participation of heterogeneous functions or operations. It is necessary for the student recording the lecture, as he must listen to and understand the content of the lecture and at the same time write it down. At the same time, it is necessary to write down what has already been heard and processed, while simultaneously perceiving and thinking through the new and further that the lecturer continues to present.
This is possible only with distributed attention, and not with concentrated attention: if a student concentrates on listening to a lecture, he will stop writing it down; if his concentrated attention is directed to writing, he will not be able to listen to the further content of the lecture. Distributed attention is necessary for a sports referee, who is obliged to monitor various simultaneously developing events during the game. It is necessary for the coach and teacher, as they are in their pedagogical activity should simultaneously direct their attention to the content of the knowledge that they present to students, and to how their presentation is perceived by listeners.
The physiological basis of concentrated attention is the optimal intensity of excitatory processes in those parts of the cerebral cortex that are associated with this type of activity, while the development of a strong inhibitory process in the rest of the cerebral cortex. Physiological processes in the cerebral cortex have a different character with distributed attention, when several functionally different areas of the cortex work simultaneously with sufficient intensity. So, for example, when listening and recording a lecture, auditory, associative and motor centers associated with hand movements during writing work simultaneously.
Research by I.P. Pavlov shows that excitatory processes in these different areas cortex with distributed attention proceed with varying degrees of intensity: those operations that are most significant in this type of activity (for example, listening to and understanding a lecture) require intensive work of the corresponding centers of the cortex, while less significant operations and subordinate to the first (in this case lecture recording) can be performed at a much lower intensity of excitatory processes in the centers that control them, which, when habitual forms activities may even be in a somewhat inhibited state.
“Isn’t it a common thing,” I. P. Pavlov said on this occasion, “that we, occupied mainly with one thing, with one thought, can simultaneously perform another thing that is very familiar to us, that is, work with those parts of the hemispheres , which are to a certain extent inhibited by the mechanism of external inhibition, since the point of the hemisphere associated with our main business, of course, is then strongly excited?
The ability to concentrated or, conversely, to distributed attention is not innate. It has a conditioned reflex character; it is based on the formation and consolidation of appropriate temporary connections. The ability to both the one and the other kind of attention can be developed in the process of practical activity. It is pedagogically important to educate and develop both of these types of attention in students, since they are equally necessary during the lesson. various types activities: for example, the same person should have divided attention during a sports game and focused on an educational or training session.
The cultivation of the ability to concentrated attention is based on the formation of temporary connections, the most important part of which is the corresponding inhibitory processes in the areas of the cortex that are not associated with this type of activity. So, for example, a teacher, accustoming students to focus on training sessions, achieves this through systematic, lesson-by-lesson remarks and requirements, which eventually become a conditional signal for the emergence of focused attention at the beginning of the lesson.
The development of the ability to distributed attention proceeds somewhat differently. It requires the improvement of skills in those activities between which attention is distributed. We can successfully allocate our attention to both listening and writing down a lecture if we are proficient in both listening and writing skills. When we don’t have a skill in at least one of these two types of activity (for example, we don’t know how to listen, we haven’t learned to quickly and accurately highlight the essential and important in the teacher’s words, we don’t have the skill to immediately formulate the knowledge gained in our own words), this activity would require from us such intense concentrated attention, in which the second activity (recording lectures) will be infeasible.
That is why, in order to develop the ability for distributed attention, we must first master the techniques of these types of activity to perfection. A coach who requires distributed attention from the members of his sports team when solving certain tactical tasks during a football match must, in the process of training, instill in them the skills to perfectly perform various tactical game techniques.
Sports activities represent wide opportunities for the education of those involved in both concentrated and distributed attention. The first develops in the process of practicing such sports as running, jumping, throwing, shooting, barbell, rowing, etc. Distributed attention is brought up during classes. sports games, wrestling, boxing, etc.
During life, a person is exposed to a huge number of different stimuli. But human consciousness is not able to realize simultaneously and clearly enough all these objects. Some objects are perceived quite clearly, others are too unclear, and others generally remain out of the field of attention.
From the whole mass of objects and phenomena surrounding him, a person singles out those that are of interest to him and correspond to his needs and life plans.
Attention- this is the concentration of a person on the objects and phenomena of the world around him, the most significant for him.
Attention- this is the orientation of the psyche (consciousness) to certain objects that have a stable or situational significance for the individual.
Attention does not exist by itself. It is simply impossible to be attentive, it requires functioning mental processes.
The initial form of attention is the orienting reflex, which is a reaction to everything new, unknown, unexpected. Attention can be attributed to a special form mental activity person. It is a necessary condition for any activity.
types of attention.
Let's consider two classifications.
Such a division is to some extent arbitrary, since often people are immersed in their own thoughts, pondering their behavior.
Not voluntary attention arises without any effort on the part of a person, while there is no purpose and special intention.
involuntary attention It is the most simple view attention. It is often called passive or forced, since it arises and is maintained independently of the person's consciousness. Activity captures a person by itself because of its fascination, entertainment or surprise.
Involuntary attention may occur:
1) Due to certain characteristics of the stimulus. These features include:
a) strength, and not absolute, but relative (in complete darkness, the light from a match can attract attention);
b) surprise;
c) novelty and unusualness;
d) contrast (among Europeans, a person of a Negroid race is more likely to attract attention);
e) mobility (the action of the beacon is based on this, which does not just burn, but flashes);
2) From the inner motives of the individual. This includes the mood of a person, his interests and needs. Arbitrary attention occurs when a goal is consciously set, for the achievement of which volitional efforts are applied.
Unlike involuntary attention, main feature voluntary attention is that it is governed by a conscious purpose. This type of attention is closely connected with the will of a person and was developed as a result of labor efforts, therefore it is also called strong-willed, active, deliberate.
A person focuses not on what is interesting or pleasant for him, but on what he should do. Arbitrarily concentrating on an object, a person makes an effort of will, which maintains attention throughout the entire process of activity, an effort of will is experienced as tension, mobilization of forces to solve the task. Arbitrary attention occurs when a person sets himself the goal of an activity, the implementation of which requires concentration. Voluntary attention owes its origin to labor.
An important condition for maintaining voluntary attention is the mental state of a person. It is very difficult for a tired person to concentrate. Significantly weakens voluntary attention emotional arousal caused by extraneous reasons.
The main function of voluntary attention is the active regulation of the course of mental processes. Thus, voluntary attention is qualitatively different from involuntary. However, both types of attention are closely related to each other, since voluntary attention arose from involuntary.
Most likely voluntary attention in the following situations:
1) when a person is clearly aware of his duties and specific tasks in the performance of activities;
2) when the activity is carried out under habitual conditions, for example: the habit of doing everything according to the regime creates in advance an attitude towards voluntary attention;
3) when the performance of the activity concerns any indirect interests, for example: playing scales on the piano is not very exciting, but necessary if you want to be a good musician;
4) when, during the performance of activities, favorable conditions, however, this does not mean complete silence, as weak side stimuli (such as quiet music) can even increase work efficiency.
Post-voluntary attention is intermediate between involuntary and arbitrary, combining the features of these two types.
It arises as an arbitrary one, but after some time, the activity performed becomes so interesting that it no longer requires additional volitional efforts.
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Concentration of attention is the ability of a person to focus on a specific activity, as well as to store certain information in the reserves of short-term memory. If this property has certain violations, then the person becomes distracted and uncollected.
Attention is one of the most important characteristics of human mental activity. By its nature, it can have the following varieties:
Speaking about the types of concentration of attention, we can say that they completely duplicate the classification given above.
It is far from always possible for a person to concentrate on performing an action, even if this is an objective necessity. This, of course, can be considered a violation. A decrease in concentration leads to absent-mindedness, which can be of several types:
Observing the process of growing up a child, we can conclude that the concentration of attention becomes stronger with age. Based on many years of research, standards were drawn up that determine the duration of school lessons, and later university couples. Nevertheless, even after reaching a certain age, it can be quite difficult for some individuals to focus and maintain attention on the same object or occupation for a long time. In this case, the development of concentration of attention will require some effort both on the part of teachers (if we are talking about a child) and on the part of the subject himself (if we are talking about an adult).
Improving the ability to concentrate is achieved through continuous and diligent training. Concentration of attention in children is most often developed by itself. Even those children who at first find it difficult to get used to long and monotonous activities, eventually get used to it. Studying proccess aims to ensure that, having completed education, a person is ready for labor activity not only in terms of fundamental knowledge, but also in terms of self-discipline. If, with age, a person does not acquire such abilities, he needs to resort to training through special exercises.
High concentration of attention is achieved not only by hard training, but also by creating comfortable conditions. The fact is that any little thing (extraneous noise, a phone call, etc.) can take a person out of a concentrated state, after which it will not be so easy to return to the previous mode of operation. Thus, if you want to concentrate on your work, resort to the following practical tips:
Sometimes in the course of their professional, creative or everyday activities, people find distraction and restlessness in themselves. In this case, there is a need to develop and train such a property as concentration. The exercises offered by psychologists allow you to develop the necessary qualities:
Concentration and attention span is important characteristics not only for professional activity but also for other areas of human life. In order to assess these characteristics, psychologists have developed special tests that are used in interviews in large firms. You can also go through them yourself to determine your degree of concentration:
Attention concentration training is an objective necessity for those who want to work effectively without being distracted by extraneous activities. For this, the following techniques are perfect, which can be used in between the performance of their job duties:
The above training technique allows not only to improve concentration, but also to balance nervous system.
High concentration of attention is the result of the active work of the brain. Just as the body needs morning exercises, the human mind has the same need. Going to work in the morning, or while in transport, do the following set of exercises:
Please note that all the above exercises must be performed as quickly as possible, without thinking for too long.
Concentration is not always associated with mental faculties man and his psychological features. An important role in this matter is played by the physiological component. That is why improving concentration is inextricably linked with the normalization of lifestyle and daily routine:
The development of concentration of attention is possible not only through special exercises or techniques, but also through constant self-control. So, wean yourself from biting your nails, banging on the table, actively gesticulating, or dangling your legs while sitting.
An important step on the path to high concentration is finding emotional balance. Try to protect yourself from negativity and stress, and also get plenty of rest. Make it a rule to listen to calm instrumental music. Also surround yourself with objects of those colors that have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and emotional condition(for example, green and blue). Also, try not to watch TV shows that carry a negative connotation.
For high-quality mental work, it is necessary to develop both hemispheres of the brain. To do this, it is very useful to periodically change hands when performing any mundane tasks. So, taking a toothbrush or a spoon in left hand(and for lefties - to the right), you will cause the activity of those parts of the brain that were not previously involved.
When responding to the speaker's message, you use non-verbal means of communication that express interest. Your behavior encourages the interlocutor to continue the conversation. However, you must not only perceive, but also process the information received, and for this you need to have attention span.
According to the simple definition, attention span It is mental activity directed at some object. It appears when what is important is what the interlocutor is talking about, or the personality of the interlocutor.
Remember, the more you are distracted, the worse you will understand the meaning of the sender's message; you're wasting time - both yours and your interlocutor's. In addition, if you listen passively or selectively, you offend the speaker.
It is sometimes difficult to concentrate, but for the purposes of effective communication it is necessary. Prolonged concentration of attention is as tiring as physical exertion. But if you manage to concentrate and understand the essence of the message, then you will understand it correctly and will be able to respond adequately, i.e. solve the problem or issue as efficiently as possible. As a result, you will feel great satisfaction - after all, your efforts were not in vain!
Here are some tips to help you focus.
— Eliminate distractions. Disable internal and mobile phones, pager, radio. Set aside the papers that you looked through before the appearance of the interlocutor. Remove anything that might distract you. Don't try to do anything else while talking. The more attention you pay to the interlocutor, the higher your concentration.
— Write down important points . If the interlocutor sends important information, do not rely solely on memory. Take short notes - this activates the brain and helps you better focus on the speaker's words. Recordings will help you make sure that you correctly understood the addresser, and him - in the seriousness of your attitude towards him. Remember, the best memory is worse than the smallest pencil.
Do not try to write down every word, fix only key points. In addition, you need to maintain a constant eye contact so don't get carried away with writing. Write down only the most important; it is advisable to clarify with the interlocutor whether you understood him correctly.
— Imagine what the speaker is talking about. This is especially useful when talking on the phone, because it helps to better understand the message, concentrate and maintain an effective dialogue.
— Ask again if you lose the thread of the conversation.
Sometimes, for various reasons, you stop understanding what your interlocutor is talking about. When you notice that you missed something, allow yourself to insert a line, for example: “Could you repeat this thought” or “Sorry, I missed something.” If you pretend that you understand everything, you will do a disservice to yourself and the interlocutor. Your aim - effective communication so find the missing thread sooner.
— Specify. If the other person is talking about things you don't understand, or just doesn't express themselves very clearly, feel free to ask questions, for example: “Let me clarify ... do you think we need to order fewer meals?” The interlocutor will give you the necessary explanations or confirmations, which will allow you to correctly understand his thought.
Do you think that if a person asks questions or asks again, then he demonstrates his ignorance? What nonsense! Firstly, by asking a question, you help the interlocutor to better explain his thought, and secondly, if you don’t ask anything, you will never know anything.
Copyright © 2013 Byankin Alexey
You can imagine all the complexities of meditation in the form of a well-known image of the target. Just as a target serves to indicate our goal, so the subject of meditation serves as a target within the mind. It is just that during meditation the practitioner strives to keep his mind focused on the subject of meditation. In other words, thoughts will be directed towards a specific goal. We meet a similar idea in the tradition of Judaism in the form of a classical Talmudic designation of mental concentration of attention, the development of concentration, kawvana, which means “aiming”. The word itself comes from the root kaven - to strive, to aim. The development of qawvana practice is main theme Jewish mystical tradition.
Although in the beginning our concentration may be very short, if we persist in our practice, its duration will gradually increase. (Geshe Rabten, Treasure of Dharma). This is the same as one-point concentration of the mind, otherwise called samadhi. Contemplation, meditation can be expressed most simply as a state of concentrated attention.
With the idea of a target located inside our mind, it is clearly seen that our goal should be to hit as close to the "bull's eye" as possible. Of course, this is easier said than done, as anyone who has attempted such a thing knows. And yet one should not fall into despair at the first failures. The difficulty of such a seemingly easy task has been recognized by sages and spiritual mentors at all times. In the Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna says, “The mind is so restless, fickle. The mind is obstinate, stubborn and self-willed, which is difficult to curb, like the wind. It is not difficult to verify the veracity of such words. Quite often we are confronted with the confusion of our own thoughts, with the longing that torments us, our own stubbornness and inability to concentrate. And, having embarked on the path of contemplative practice, we, perhaps for the first time, begin to look closely at the properties of our own mind. There is much to be revealed and much to be learned here. Geshe Rabten describes meditation as "a means of controlling, subduing and, on occasion, transforming the mind." The path to such an ambitious goal begins with the simplest: we begin to develop concentration of attention. This includes the level of long-term focused attention and additionally includes an element of self-observation. This state of mind is very different from everyday consciousness. A simple example will help you understand the idea of one part of the mind watching another part of it. Watch the flow of your own consciousness by watching your thoughts.
Each person is unique, each of us has a huge potential to realize ourselves and our abilities to achieve everything we want. On the own experience, living it in its entirety, and not from books or teaching aids, you find yourself, revealing all the strength and power of your potential and capabilities. You can be a nobody, you can fit into the framework and parameters set by society, or you can create yourself anew, gain complete independence and freedom from other people's opinions, judgments and any obligations. The choice is yours. .
Just sit quietly for a while; a few minutes will suffice. Close your eyes and turn your attention inward. Try to follow what's going on in your mind and memorize everything (easier said than done). At the end, write down all the thoughts that flashed through your head during this short period of time. The results are usually startling; old memories, associations, future plans and incoherent thoughts run at a rapid pace. This is where the idea of slowing down the stream of consciousness comes in. The first attempts to focus attention are often daunting.
Unwanted thoughts appear out of nowhere. The development of such a skill as a constant and stable ability of our consciousness requires time and effort. This will not happen within a week, and disappointments are inevitable here. To achieve this without personal dedication will not be easy. Parting words from experienced people always sound benevolent and encouraging: do not give up, go forward. Don't let your thoughts get carried away, let them go. Turn the mind to the object of contemplation, the goal. Let thoughts run their course. Stay focused and focused.
Concentrated attention requires for its development the development of the ability to concentrate consciousness. Unfortunately, this special quality carries with it a touch of apprenticeship and forced teaching, which are often useless. Too stubbornly we associate concentration with mental exertion, intense effort and hard work. Concentration is not an end in itself, but a necessary precondition, which eliminates distraction and absent-mindedness. Without concentration it is impossible to keep in mind any of the objects of meditation. Meditation begins with concentration, focused attention. This is the first step, but not the last. Concentration needs an object, a target, which we must aim at.
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