Attentional Blink Assignment

There are numerous external cues to which you are completely oblivious. The ability to focus attention allows you to ignore distractions and zero in on what really matters. There are, however, conditions under which it is impossible to detect stimuli, no matter how diligently one “pays attention.” When multiple visual cues are provided rapidly, for example, confusion can set in. If the time between the two stimuli is too small, you won’t notice the second one.

The term “attentional blink” describes this momentary gap of focus. You’ll get to try out the attentional blink for yourself and learn about its real-world applications in this project. Visit the Attentional Blink demonstration in CogLab. Just do as you’re told to finish the demo.

To learn more, check see •Livesey, E. J., Harris, I. M., and Harris, J. A. (2009). Shifts in focus while one engages in implicit learning: A target stimulus is safeguarded from the attentional blink by signal validity. 35(2), 408-408-422 in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition. doi:10.1037/a0014525 ) (ProQuest Document ID: ********* Write a paper that does the following, drawing on your experience with the CogLab demo and the article: Attentional Blink Assignment

Explain how the attentional blink relates to attention. Analyze how the variation in time influences the probability of seeing the second target letter. Explain the circumstances under which the attentional blink can be eliminated.

•In the CogLab demonstration, letters were used as targets. The target used can influence the duration of one’s attentional blink and whether the attentional blink even occurs. Attentional Blink Assignment

Complete the following tasks: ◦Propose at least two other targets that could be used to induce the attentional blink. ◦Predict the effect each of your suggested targets would have on the duration of one’s attentional blink as compared to the CogLab activity you completed. ◦Explain the reasoning behind your predictions.

•Present and discuss at least three occupations in which workers’ performance could be adversely affected by attentional blink. Identify and explain the types of problems or mistakes that might occur in such occupations due to the attentional blink. •Several years ago, some vehicle models came with a heads-up display (HUD). Instead of looking down at a panel on the dashboard, speed, distance traveled, fuel level, and time appeared to be displayed over the hood of the car. Discuss this design in terms of divided attention and attentional blink. Do you think the design was a good idea?

Write a 4-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M2_A2.doc. By Wednesday, September 17, 2014, deliver your assignment to the M2: Assignment 2 Dropbox. Assignment 2 Grading Criteria Maximum Points Explained the phenomenon of attention, described how time between targets affects the probability of seeing the second target, and analyzed how it can be eliminated or reduced in other conditions showing understanding and application of cognitive psychology concepts. Attentional Blink Assignment

20 Applied knowledge of cognitive psychology concepts to propose other targets appropriate for experiment, predict their effects on attentional blink, and provide an explanation for predictions showing understanding and application of cognitive psychology concepts. 20 Identified three occupations that could adversely be affected by attentional blink and explained the types of problems or mistakes that might occur in such occupations due to attentional blink showing understanding and application of cognitive psychology concepts.

24 Related the concepts of divided attention and attentional blink to explain the heads-up display (HUD) design. 16 Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 20 Total: 100 Attentional Blink Assignment