Types of Attention

Alternating attention is the ability to switch your focus back and forth between tasks that require different cognitive demands. Divided attention is the ability to process two or more responses or react to two or more different demands simultaneously.

Selective attention is the process of focusing on a particular object in the environment for a certain period of time. Attention is a limited resource, so selective attention allows us to tune out unimportant details and focus on what really matters.

Sustained attention is the ability to focus on one specific task for a continuous amount of time without being distracted. Selective attention is the ability to select from many factors or stimuli and to focus on only the one that you want while filtering out other distractions.