Attention: Theory, Principles, Models and Applications

Abstract

We discuss two general concepts of attention: (1) As a filter of selective attention that selects and admits channels of information from the environment to be processed; (2) as a resource to enable subsequent information processing, constrained by the individual demand of tasks, and particularly the collective demands of multiple tasks needing to be performed concurrently defining the limits of multitasking. In both concept domains we review theories and design principles, and particularly computational models of attentional process and performance outputs. In discussing the filter we consider supervisory control, noticing, visual search, and the way in which limited selective attention constrains the filter can be overcome to avail more parallel processing via techniques of display overlay and object display. In discussing the fuel for multi-tasking, we distinguish between the parallel processing supported by multiple resources, and the sequential processing and task switching required when demands are excessive.