Visual Attention and Consciousness

It does not need to be a very persuasive argument for us to understand the meaning of paying attention as we witness something visually or receive information through conversation. We also know, almost intuitively, that this has to be related to awareness and consciousness. However, scientific definition of that attention is not easy to comprehend. Studies on this topic are primarily based on experiments and empirical data, since it is quite difficult to characterize attention quantitively. Research has shown that vision plays a big role in this experience of consciousness.

Key Takeaways:

• Visual attention can focus on objects, their features, and their spatial layout.
• The forms of attention serve a function and thus can be described through an evolutionary story.
• Because attention can be either conscious and unconscious, the study of it is both difficult and interesting.

“There are many forms of visual attention that work on various levels, both within and outside of our conscious experience.”

Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/theory-consciousness/201507/visual-attention-and-consciousness

References:

• Psychology Today (Website)
• F. Simonh Bries (YouTube Channel)