After reading this chapter, you would be able to | Class 11 Psychology Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
After reading this chapter, you would be able to – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of After reading this chapter, you would be able to from Class 11 Psychology, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Attentional Processes
This section introduces attention as the cognitive process through which certain stimuli are selected from many that impinge on our sensory organs simultaneously. It explains that although numerous stimuli are present, only a few are noticed at a given time due to the limited capacity of our perceptual system. Attention involves not only selection but also properties such as alertness (readiness to respond), concentration (focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others), and search (actively looking for specific stimuli). Attention has a focal point (focus) where awareness is centered, and a fringe where stimuli are only vaguely noticed. The section classifies attention into selective attention (choosing specific stimuli), sustained attention (maintaining focus over time), and divided attention (attending to multiple stimuli simultaneously). It highlights that divided attention is possible mainly for highly practiced or automatic tasks. The section also discusses factors influencing selective attention, dividing them into external (stimulus-related) and internal (individual-related) factors. External factors include size, intensity, motion, novelty, and complexity of stimuli. Internal factors include motivation, interest, attitude, and preparatory set (mental readiness). The section briefly introduces major theories explaining selective attention: Broadbent's Filter Theory, Treisman's Filter-Attenuation Theory, and Johnston and Heinz's Multimode Theory. Each theory describes mechanisms by which stimuli are filtered or selected for processing. Finally, sustained attention or vigilance is described as the ability to maintain focus over extended periods, important in tasks like air traffic control. Factors influencing sustained attention include sensory modality, clarity of stimuli, temporal and spatial uncertainty. The section underscores the practical importance of attention in daily life and introduces related disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
📊 Diagram: No specific diagrams, but Box 4.1 explains divided attention with everyday examples.
🔗 Connection: Leads to 'Perceptual Processes' section which explains how selected sensory information is interpreted to form meaningful perceptions.
Frequently asked questions
Explain the functional limitations of sense organs.
Sense organs have certain functional limitations that restrict the amount and type of information they can receive from the environment. These limitations include: (1) Thresholds: Sense organs can only detect stimuli above a certain intensity (absolute threshold). (2) Range: Each sense organ is sensitive to a limited range of stimuli (e.g., the eye can detect only a certain range of wavelengths). (3) Adaptation: Sense organs may reduce sensitivity to constant stimuli over time (sensory adaptatio
Define attention. Explain its properties.
Attention is the process of selectively focusing on a particular stimulus or task while ignoring other stimuli. It is a cognitive process that enables us to concentrate on relevant information. Properties of attention include: (1) Selectivity: Attention is selective; it focuses on certain stimuli while excluding others. (2) Divisibility: Attention can be divided among multiple tasks, though with limited efficiency. (3) Shiftability: Attention can shift from one stimulus to another as needed. (4)
State the determinants of selective attention. How does selective attention differ from sustained attention?
Determinants of selective attention include: (1) Intensity of stimulus: More intense stimuli attract attention. (2) Size: Larger stimuli are more likely to be attended to. (3) Contrast: Stimuli that contrast with their background attract attention. (4) Movement: Moving stimuli are more likely to be noticed. (5) Repetition: Repeated stimuli can capture attention. (6) Novelty: New or unusual stimuli attract attention. (7) Motivation and interest: Personal relevance influences attention. (8) Emotio
What is the main proposition of Gestalt psychologists with respect to perception of the visual field?
The main proposition of Gestalt psychologists regarding perception of the visual field is that 'the whole is different from the sum of its parts.' They emphasized that perception is holistic and organized, meaning that we perceive entire patterns or configurations rather than just individual components. Gestalt principles such as proximity, similarity, closure, continuity, and figure-ground explain how we organize visual stimuli into meaningful wholes.
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Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.
- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.
- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.