Effortless Attention: A New Perspective in the Cognitive Science of Attention and Action
Brian Bruya
Abstract
This book explores the cognitive science of effortless attention and action. Attention and action are generally understood to require effort, and it is expected that under normal circumstances, effort increases to meet rising demand. Sometimes, however, attention and action seem to flow effortlessly despite high demand. Effortless attention and action have been documented across a range of normal activities—ranging from rock climbing to chess playing—and yet fundamental questions about effortlessness have gone largely unasked. This book draws from the field of cognitive psychology, neurophysio ... More
This book explores the cognitive science of effortless attention and action. Attention and action are generally understood to require effort, and it is expected that under normal circumstances, effort increases to meet rising demand. Sometimes, however, attention and action seem to flow effortlessly despite high demand. Effortless attention and action have been documented across a range of normal activities—ranging from rock climbing to chess playing—and yet fundamental questions about effortlessness have gone largely unasked. This book draws from the field of cognitive psychology, neurophysiology, behavioral psychology, genetics, philosophy, and cross-cultural studies to address those questions. Starting from the premise that the phenomena of effortless attention and action provide an opportunity to test current models of attention and action, researchers—including effort as a cognitive resource—clarify topics such as the role of effort in decision-making, the neurophysiology of effortless attention and action, the role of automaticity in effortless action, expert performance in effortless action, and the neurophysiology and benefits of attentional training.
Keywords:
effortless attention,
effortless action,
cognitive psychology,
neurophysiology,
behavioral psychology,
genetics,
philosophy,
cross-cultural studies,
automaticity,
attentional training
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2010 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780262013840 |
| Published to MIT Press Scholarship Online: August 2013 |
DOI:10.7551/mitpress/9780262013840.001.0001 |
