Attention span
Attention Span
Attention span is the amount of concentrated time a person can spend on a task without becoming distracted. Most educators and psychologists agree that the ability to focus attention on a task is crucial for the achievement of one's goals.
Pronunciation
/əˈtenʃ(ə)n span/
Etymology
The term "attention span" is a compound noun formed from the words "attention" and "span". "Attention" comes from the Latin word "attentio", meaning "attention, attentiveness", and "span" comes from the Old English "spanne", meaning "distance between two objects".
Definition
Attention span refers to the length of time that a person can concentrate on a single task, activity, or stimulus. It varies among individuals and is influenced by factors such as age, health, and level of interest in the activity.
Related Terms
- Concentration: The action or power of focusing one's attention or mental effort.
- Distraction: A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
- Hyperfocus: An intense form of mental concentration or visualization that focuses consciousness on a subject, topic, or task.
- Selective Attention: The capacity for or process of reacting to certain stimuli selectively when several occur simultaneously.
- Sustained Attention: The ability to direct and focus cognitive activity on specific stimuli.
Factors Influencing Attention Span
Several factors can influence an individual's attention span, including their age, the task's complexity, their interest in the task, and their physical and mental health. For example, children typically have shorter attention spans than adults, and complex tasks require a longer attention span than simpler ones.
Importance of Attention Span
A good attention span is crucial for many aspects of life, including learning, completing tasks, and maintaining relationships. It is also a key factor in many professions, where the ability to focus on a task for extended periods can significantly impact performance and productivity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Attention span
- Wikipedia's article - Attention span
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