Attention

One of the primary topics in cognitive psychology is Attention. You might be here because you're studying for a test or writing a research paper on selective attention theories. Either way, we strive to give you the best overall information on the topic so you can continue your studies and contributions to psychology.  Reading this ... Read more

Take a moment to think about the term “subliminal messaging.” What comes to mind? For many, it evokes concerns of covert manipulation. It's often associated with advertisers, brands, or governments attempting to sway viewers' minds. So, let's delve into this concept, exploring its mechanisms, limitations, and how our minds process information that might be below ... Read more

If a gorilla walked into the middle of a basketball court, do you think you would see it? You probably said, “Yes.” But you might be wrong. Many people in a landmark 1999 psychology experiment failed to see the gorilla. The experiment helped to show the existence of a fascinating phenomenon called “inattentional blindness.” It’s ... Read more

What are you doing right now? Sure, you’re reading this page. But are you also eating? Texting a friend? Driving? Painting your nails? Put down everything that isn’t the device you are watching this video on because, guess what? Multitasking is a myth. Is Multitasking Good or Bad? While you might have been encouraged to ... Read more

You might have seen this exercise before in a workbook or museum. You see a list of colors, but each word is also a different color. For example, the word “red” might be written in blue font, or the word “yellow” might be written in purple font. The exercise says you must go through the ... Read more

If you're here, you probably already know a bit about the Invisible Gorilla video and how it relates to attention. Did you know this experiment supports a fascinating concept called "inattentional blindness?"  What Is The Invisible Gorilla Experiment? In 1999, Chris Chabris and Dan Simons conducted an experiment known as the “Invisible Gorilla Experiment.” They ... Read more

Our attention seems to be limited by certain things, and cognitive psychologists attempt to explain how our focus works using selective attention theories. Take a moment to think back to the last time you were at a party. Can you remember every detail? No really. I mean, can you remember every person that was there, ... Read more

Have you ever been at a cocktail party - or any situation with many people talking in the background - and wondered how you could still hear the person you’re talking to? How, with all of these other people talking in the background, can you decipher what I am saying to you right now? A big ... Read more