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A taxonomy of external and internal attention
Marvin M Chun1, Julie D Golomb, Nicholas B Turk-Browne
1Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. marvin.chun@yale.edu
Annual Review of Psychology
|July 7, 2009
Summary
This study proposes a new taxonomy to understand attention, differentiating between external and internal attention. This framework helps organize research on cognitive and perceptual processes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Attention is crucial for perception and cognition, enabling focus amidst competing stimuli.
- Studying the ubiquitous nature of attention presents significant challenges.
- Existing frameworks struggle to encompass the diverse functions of attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel taxonomy for attention based on its targets.
- To distinguish between external and internal attention.
- To provide a framework for understanding attentional mechanisms and their neural basis.
Main Methods:
- Development of a conceptual taxonomy.
- Categorization of attentional targets into external and internal domains.
- Analysis of the relationship between working memory and attentional types.
Main Results:
- Introduction of a clear distinction between external attention (sensory information) and internal attention (internally generated information).
- Identification of working memory as a key area intersecting both external and internal attention.
- The proposed taxonomy offers a structured approach to studying attention.
Conclusions:
- The taxonomy provides an organizing framework for attention research.
- It recasts classic debates and raises new questions in the field.
- Facilitates a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying attention.
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