Sensations, their types and basic patterns. Basic properties and patterns of sensations Sensations Thresholds of sensations Patterns of sensations

Not everything that acts on our senses produces a sensation in us. We don’t feel the touch of dust particles falling on our skin, we don’t see the light of distant stars, we don’t hear the ticking of a clock in the next room, we don’t feel those faint smells that a dog following the trail catches well. Why? For a sensation to arise, the irritation must reach a certain level. Too weak stimuli do not cause sensations.

The minimum amount of stimulus that gives a noticeable sensation is called absolute threshold of sensation.

The value of the absolute threshold characterizes the absolute sensitivity of the sense organs or their ability to respond to minimal impacts. The lower the value of the sensation threshold, the higher the absolute sensitivity to these stimuli.

The absolute sensitivity of certain analyzers varies from person to person.. There are no completely identical people in the world, therefore the thresholds of sensation are different for everyone. So, one person hears very weak sounds (for example, the ticking of a clock located at a great distance from his ear), while the other does not hear. In order for the latter to have an auditory sensation, it is necessary to increase the strength of this stimulus (for example, by bringing a ticking clock closer). In this way it can be found that the absolute auditory sensitivity of the former is higher than that of the latter, and the difference observed here can be accurately measured. Or one person may notice a very faint, dim light, while for another, this light must be a little brighter in order to be felt.

Thresholds of absolute sensitivity do not remain unchanged throughout a person's life. Sensitivity in children develops, by adolescence the thresholds become lower, and the sensitivity reaches the optimal level. With age, the thresholds of sensitivity increase. A significant influence on the change in thresholds is exerted by activities in the course of which a person relies on these types of sensitivity.

The natural possibilities of our analyzers are much wider than the framework within which they operate. This is especially evident in people who have defects in one or another analyzer. Thus, it is known that a decrease in vision leads to an aggravation of hearing and smell, and a decrease in hearing increases vibration sensitivity. Such compensation for the insufficient work of one analyzer by strengthening the functioning of another is possible precisely because mobility of sensitivity thresholds. This opens up new perspectives in the development and improvement of human cognitive processes. The most favorable period for this is the childhood and school years of life.

Another important characteristic of the analyzer is its ability to distinguish changes in the strength of a stimulus.

That smallest increase in the strength of the acting stimulus, at which there is a barely noticeable difference in the strength or quality of sensations, is called sensitivity threshold for discrimination.

In life, we constantly notice a change in illumination, an increase or decrease in the strength of a sound, but will we feel the difference in the strength of a light source of 1000 and 1005 W?

The discrimination threshold has a constant relative value for a certain type of sensation and is expressed as a ratio (fraction). For vision, the discrimination threshold is 1/100. If the initial illumination of the hall is 1000 W, then the increase should be at least 10 W so that a person feels a barely noticeable change in illumination. For auditory sensations, the discrimination threshold is 1/10. This means that if 7-8 of the same singers are added to a choir of 100 people, then the person will not notice the amplification of the sound, only 10 singers will hardly noticeably amplify the choir.

The development of distinctive sensitivity is of vital importance. It helps to correctly orient oneself in the surrounding world, makes it possible to act in accordance with the slightest changes in it.

The sensitivity of analyzers can change under the influence of existing stimuli.. This adaptation of the sense organs to external influences is called adaptation(from lat. adaptare - to fit, get used to). She is well known to everyone. We enter the river to swim, at first the water seems terribly cold, then the feeling of cold disappears, the water becomes quite tolerable, warm enough. Or: leaving a dark room into a bright light, in the first moments we see very poorly, the strong light is blinding, and we involuntarily close our eyes. But after a few minutes, the eyes get used to the bright light and see normally. Coming home from the street, we feel all the home smells, and after a few minutes we stop noticing them.

There is a general pattern of sensitivity changes: when moving from strong to weak stimuli, sensitivity increases, when moving from weak to strong, it decreases. This manifests biological expediency: when stimuli are strong, subtle sensitivity is not needed; when they are weak, the ability to catch them is important.

Visual, olfactory, temperature, skin (tactile) sensations have a high ability to adapt, and auditory and pain sensations have a weak ability to adapt. You can get used to noise and pain, that is, you can distract yourself from them, stop paying attention to them, but you don’t stop feeling them, while the skin stops feeling the pressure of clothes. Our senses do not adjust to pain because pain is a wake-up call. It is supplied by our body, warning of danger. If we stopped feeling pain, we would not have time to help ourselves.

Sensations, as a rule, do not exist independently and in isolation from each other. The work of one analyzer can influence the work of another, strengthening or weakening it. For example, weak musical sounds can increase the sensitivity of the visual analyzer, while sharp or strong sounds, on the contrary, impair vision. Rubbing the face with cool water (temperature sensations), weak sweet and sour taste sensations can also sharpen our vision.

Patterns of sensations

TO patterns sensations include thresholds, adaptation, interaction, contrast, and synesthesia.

Sensitivity thresholds. Not every force of stimulus is capable of evoking sensations. Under the action of a very strong stimulus, a moment may come when sensations cease to arise. We do not hear sounds with a frequency above 20 thousand hertz. A superstrong stimulus instead of a sensation of this type causes pain. Consequently, sensations arise when exposed to a stimulus of a certain intensity. The psychological characteristic of the relationship between the intensity of sensation and the strength of stimuli is expressed by the concept of the threshold of sensations, or the threshold of sensitivity.

Between sensitivity (threshold) and the strength of the stimulus, there is inverse relationship: the greater the force needed to create a sensation, the lower the sensitivity of a person. Sensitivity thresholds are individual for each person.

Adaptation- adaptation of sensitivity to a constantly acting stimulus, manifested in a decrease or increase in thresholds. In life, the phenomenon of adaptation is well known to everyone. The first minute a person enters the river, the water seems cold to him. Further, the feeling of cold disappears, the water seems warm enough. This is observed in all types of sensitivity, except for pain.

Interaction of sensations- ϶ᴛᴏ change in the sensitivity of one analyzer system under the influence of the activity of another analyzer system.

General pattern The interaction of sensations is as follows: weak stimuli in one analyzer system increase the sensitivity of another system, strong ones decrease it. An increase in sensitivity as a result of the interaction of analyzers, as well as systematic exercises, is commonly called sensitization.

The contrast of sensations . Contrast- a change in the intensity and quality of sensations under the influence of a previous or accompanying stimulus. With the simultaneous action of two stimuli, it occurs simultaneous contrast.

The well-known phenomenon consistent contrast. After a cold, a weak thermal stimulus seems hot. The sensation of sour increases the sensitivity to sweet.

The phenomenon of synesthesia . Synesthesia- excitation by the arising sensations of one modality of sensations of another modality. The interaction of sensations that occurs in the central nuclei of the analyzer leads to the fact that under pressure, for example, sounds, color sensations can occur in a person, color can cause a feeling of cold. This interaction is called synesthesia .

Patterns of sensations - concept and types. Classification and features of the category "Patterns of sensations" 2017, 2018.

The general properties of sensations are quality, intensity, duration, and localization.

Quality It is a property of sensation that distinguishes it from others. The sensations of one species differ qualitatively from another, as well as the different sensations within the same species. Examples of qualities, sensations are different color tones and shades, sounds of different heights, different smells, tastes, etc. The quality of each sensation is determined by the property of the object that causes it. Each analyzer reflects a wide range of qualities. The image of perception reflects the objective certainty of the world. The qualities given in sensations are included as an integral part in the objective characteristics of perceptions.

Feeling intensity is their quantitative characteristic. Feelings of the same quality are always stronger or weaker. The intensity is determined by the strength of the stimulus. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the stimulus are closely related.

Each sensation is also characterized duration, which is its temporal characteristic. The duration of the sensation depends on the duration of the stimulus.

Feelings are characteristic localization. This means that any image of sensation has elements of the spatial arrangement of the stimulus. Color, light, sound correlate with the source. Tactile, pain, temperature sensations - with that part of the body that causes this sensation. In this case, the localization of pain sensations is more blurred and less accurate.

General patterns of sensations Thresholds of sensitivity

The stimulus, acting on the analyzer, does not always cause a feeling. The touch of the fluff on the body cannot be felt. If a very strong stimulus is acting, there may come a moment when the sensation ceases to arise. We do not hear sounds with a frequency of more than 20 thousand Hertz. Too much irritant can cause pain. Consequently, sensations arise under the action of a stimulus of a certain intensity.

The psychological characteristic of the relationship between the intensity of sensations and the strength of the stimulus is expressed by the concept of the threshold of sensitivity. There are such thresholds of sensitivity: the lower absolute, the upper absolute and the threshold of discrimination sensitivity.

That smallest force of the stimulus, which, acting on the analyzer, causes a barely noticeable sensation, is called lower absolute sensitivity threshold. The lower threshold characterizes the sensitivity of the analyzer.

There is a visual relationship between absolute sensitivity and threshold value: the lower the threshold, the higher the sensitivity, and vice versa. Our analyzers are very sensitive organs. They are excited by a very small force of the energy of the stimuli corresponding to them. This applies primarily to hearing, vision and smell. The threshold of one human olfactory cell for the corresponding aromatic substances does not exceed 8 molecules. And it takes at least 25,000 times more molecules to produce a taste sensation than it does to create an olfactory sensation. The very strength of the stimulus at which a sensation of a given type still exists is called upper absolute threshold of sensitivity. Sensitivity thresholds are individual for each person.

This psychological regularity should be foreseen by the teacher, especially in the elementary grades. Some children have reduced auditory and visual sensitivity. In order for them to see and hear well, it is necessary to create conditions for the best display of the teacher's language and notes on the board. With the help of the sense organs, we can not only ascertain the presence or absence of a particular stimulus, but also distinguish stimuli by their strength, intensity and quality.

Minimally increase the strength of the acting stimulus, which causes subtle differences between sensations, is called discrimination sensitivity threshold.

In life, we constantly notice a change in light, an increase or decrease in sound. These are manifestations of the discrimination threshold or differential threshold.

If we ask two or three people to divide in half a line about a meter long, we will see that everyone will have their own dividing point. It is necessary to measure the results with a ruler. Whoever divides more precisely has the best sensitivity of discrimination. The ratio of a certain group of sensations to an increase in the magnitude of the initial stimulus is a constant value. This was established by the German physiologist E. Weber (1795-1878).

Based on the teachings of Weber, the German physicist G. Fechner (1801 - 1887) experimentally showed that the increase in the intensity of sensation is not directly proportional to the increase in the strength of the stimulus, but more slowly. If the strength of the stimulus increases exponentially, the intensity of the sensation increases exponentially. This position is also formulated as follows: the intensity of sensation is proportional to the logarithm of the strength of the stimulus. It is called the Weber-Fechner law.

The work of analyzers, the process of the emergence of sensations as a whole, is subject to certain laws. These include: thresholds of sensitivity (or sensation thresholds), adaptation, interaction, contrast and synesthesia.

Thresholds of sensitivity. Sensations can occur only with stimulation of a certain intensity. The psychological characteristic of the relationship between the intensity of sensation and the strength of stimuli is expressed by the concept of the threshold of sensitivity. Allocate the threshold of absolute sensitivity and the threshold of difference sensitivity. Absolute sensitivity is characterized by lower and upper thresholds of sensations. The smallest force of stimuli capable of causing nervous excitation in the analyzer sufficient to cause a sensation is called lower absolute threshold of sensation(the smaller the value of this threshold, the higher the sensitivity of this analyzer). The strongest stimulus is called the upper absolute threshold of sensations.

Thresholds limit the analyzer's sensitivity zone to a given type of stimuli. For example, the human eye is capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves with a length of 390 (purple) to 780 (red) microns; The human ear is capable of distinguishing sound waves with an oscillation frequency of 20 to 20,000 Hz.

The values ​​of the absolute thresholds of sensation vary depending on the nature of the activity, the age of the person, the functional state of the receptor, the strength and duration of stimulation.

The minimum difference in the intensity of two homogeneous stimuli that a person can distinguish is called discrimination threshold, or difference threshold. Not every difference in the intensity of two homogeneous stimuli is felt. It is necessary that this difference reaches a certain value. The smaller the difference threshold, the higher the sensitivity of discrimination, i.e., the ability of a given analyzer to differentiate stimuli.

Absolute and difference thresholds of sensations are of great importance in the practical activity of a person, especially when mastering the technique of physical exercises. There are significant individual differences in the values ​​of absolute and difference thresholds of sensations. The sensitivity of discrimination develops in the process of practical human activity. Thus, in highly qualified gymnasts, the difference threshold of muscular-motor sensations is much higher than in beginners.

Sensitivity can be improved in two directions: by pushing the boundaries of sensitivity (by reducing its lower and increasing its upper absolute thresholds, as well as by increasing the discrimination threshold) and by maintaining sensitivity (reaction adequacy) in conditions of various kinds of interference, in extreme conditions (development of noise immunity of sensations).

The sensitivity of the analyzers, determined by the magnitude of the absolute thresholds, changes under the influence of a number of physiological and psychological conditions. To characterize this phenomenon, the concept of "adaptation" is used.

Adaptation. This is an adaptation of the body to environmental conditions, in particular, a change in the threshold of sensitivity as you get used to it.

to a permanent stimulus. In life, the phenomenon of adaptation is well known to everyone. For example, when a person enters a river, the water at first seems cold to him, then the feeling of cold disappears, the water seems warm. This applies to all types of sensations, except for pain.

There are two types of adaptation: negative, which is expressed in the dulling of sensation under the influence of a strong stimulus or the disappearance of sensation during prolonged action of the stimulus (adaptation to bright light, to clothing), and positive, which is expressed in increased sensitivity under the influence of a weak stimulus (adaptation to darkness). , to silence).

The interaction of sensations. A change in the sensitivity of the analyzer under the influence of irritation of other sense organs is caused by the interaction of sensations. The interaction of sensations, like adaptation, is manifested in an increase and decrease in sensitivity. Weak stimuli increase, and strong ones decrease the sensitivity of the analyzers during their interaction. For example, weak sound stimuli increase the color sensitivity of the visual analyzer. At the same time, excessively strong sounds and noise sharply reduce the distinctive sensitivity of the eye.

The increase in sensitivity as a result of the interaction of analyzers and exercises is called sensitization.

Synesthesia. The appearance under the influence of a stimulus of one analyzer of a sensation characteristic of another analyzer is called synesthesia. The most common visual-auditory synesthesia, when, under the influence of sound stimuli, a person has visual images. However, synesthesia does not occur in all people. It is known that the composer Scriabin possessed the ability of "color hearing".

Feeling contrast. In practical activity, contrasts of sensations play an important role, which cause a change in the intensity and quality of sensations under the influence of a previous or accompanying stimulus. The same figure appears lighter on a black background than on a white one. The green figure on the red background seems more saturated. Such a contrast with the joint action of two stimuli is called simultaneous. The phenomenon of successive contrast is widely known. After a cold, a weak lukewarm stimulus seems hot. The sensation of sour increases the sensitivity to sweet. Successive contrasts have been studied in detail in visual sensations. If you fix a light figure with your eye for 15-20 seconds and then look at a gray surface, then "you can notice a clear dark spot. This will be a consistent image. Consistent contrast can also be chromatic. After fixing a red figure, the eye sees on a gray background a bluish-green figure, etc.

Quantitative characteristics of sensations are expressed in the thresholds of sensitivity, the intensity of sensation, the rate of adaptation of receptors.

Absolute lower threshold sensations of a given modality - this is the magnitude of the stimulus at which a sensation arises. Irritants of lesser strength are called subthreshold. They do not cause sensations, although they are not indifferent to the body. Each analyzer has its own sensitivity threshold value. There is an inverse relationship between sensitivity and the threshold of sensations: E \u003d 1 / P, where E is sensitivity; P is the threshold value.

The sensitivity of the analyzer is limited not only by the lower threshold, but also upper threshold sensations - this is the maximum strength of the stimulus, at which there is still an adequate sensation to the acting stimulus (and not pain). Thresholds of auditory sensation: from 16 - 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. The value of absolute thresholds can vary depending on various conditions - the nature of the activity, the age of the person, the physical condition, the strength and duration of the stimulus.

Relative or differential(difference) threshold is the smallest amount of difference between stimuli when they are perceived as different. Designated delta I, A I is the magnitude of the stimulus. There is a relationship between them:

delta I / I = const.

This is the Bouguer-Weber law. For the same analyzer, this constant is preserved, but for different analyzers it is different. For the auditory analyzer const = 0.1; for visual 0.01.

The Weber-Fechner law is called the basic psychophysical law:

S = K Log I+C

where S is the intensity of sensations; I- the strength of the stimulus; C is a constant; K - coefficient.

According to this law, in order for the power of sensation, i.e. intensity (S) increased from 0 to 1, it is necessary that the magnitude of the stimulus that caused it ( I) increased 10 times.

The formula shows:

1) sensations change disproportionately to the strength of the influencing stimuli;

2) the strength of sensations grows much more slowly than the magnitude of stimuli.

Sensitivity thresholds are not constant, they can change. Laws of change:

Adaptation–this is a change in the sensitivity of analyzers under the influence of an external stimulus It is of three types:

1. Adaptation as the complete disappearance of sensations

2. As a dulling of sensation under the influence of a strong stimulus - this is a negative adaptation.

3. Increased sensitivity under the influence of a weaker stimulus - positive adaptation.

The rate of adaptation is different for different analyzers. Sensitivity can also change under the influence of internal factors.

Sensitization–is the increase in sensitivity as a result of the interaction of the analyzers. Under the influence of a weak stimulus of one modality, due to the mechanism of irradiation of excitation in the cerebral cortex, the sensitivity of another modality increases.

Synesthesia–the occurrence under the influence of irritation of one analyzer, a sensation characteristic of another analyzer. Those. from one modality to another. Often there are visual-auditory and auditory-gustatory synesthesia.

Properties and types of perception

The difference between perception and sensation.

1) The result of sensation is perceived by us inside the body, and the image of perception is localized in space.

2) The result of the emergence of a sensation is a certain feeling (cold, pitch), and as a result of perception, an image is formed that includes a complex of sensations

3) In order for an object to be perceived, it is necessary to perform a counter activity, i.e. explore it, build and refine the image of this subject.

4) Feelings are, as it were, tied to specific analyzers, and the image of perception involves the interaction of several analyzers at once.

Perception–it is a reflection in the consciousness of a person of integral objects and phenomena of the objective world with their direct impact on the senses.

Perceptual Properties

1. objectivity- this is the assignment of information received from the outside world to this world.

2. Integrity. Perception is always a holistic image. We mentally complete the image to some integral form.

3. Structurality. Related to integrity. Perception is not a simple sum of sensations. We perceive a generalized structure actually abstracted from these sensations.

4. constancy. The ability to perceive objects as relatively constant in shape, color and size, etc., regardless of changing physical conditions.

5. meaningfulness. Perception is closely connected with thinking, with understanding the essence of the subject. To consciously perceive an object means to mentally name it, i.e. refer to a certain class of objects, generalize it in a word.

6. Selectivity. It manifests itself in the preferential selection of some objects in comparison with others. It depends on the interests and to a large extent on the attitudes of the individual.

Types of perception.

1. According to the dominant analyzer: visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, etc. Usually combined.

2. According to the forms of existence of matter: the perception of space, time, movement.

3. You can highlight the perception of objects, relationships, yourself and another person.

Perception of space - relief, remoteness, relative position.

The perception of size and depth is the movement of the eyes and the hand. Magnitude: contour tracking and magnitude of the image on the retina. Depth: accommodation and convergence.

Perception of movements - direction, speed of movement.

The perception of time is the biological clock.

Patterns and laws of perception

1)Apperception–it is the dependence of perception on the content of a person's mental life, on the characteristics of his personality.

3) Figure-to-Ground Relationship. Distinguishing the figure from the background is a biological necessity. A person thinks about the figure, not about the background.

4) pattern: perception of complex objects impossible without understanding.

6) Perception related to speech.

7) When perceiving contour and line images, there may be visual illusions.

Laws of perception:

1. Perception directly associated with muscle, with various kinds of movements that carry information about perceived objects (at least the eye).

2. Formed image of perception relatively stable, especially when its functioning is connected with thinking.

3. For the perception to be correct, constant exercise and a continuous influx of information are needed.

4. The nature of the images of perception in part determined by internal processes occurring in the body. But! Only when the perception has already formed. In the process of development, the image directly depends on the experience gained.

Conclusions:

1. Sensations are the primary cognitive process, the basis for building an image of the world and the normal functioning of the psyche.

2. The main properties of sensations are quality, intensity, duration.

3. The main patterns of sensations: thresholds of sensations, dependence of the intensity of sensations on the strength of the stimulus, adaptation, sensitization, synesthesia.

4. Perception is a separate cognitive process that differs from sensations.

5. Properties of perception: objectivity, integrity, structure, constancy, meaningfulness, selectivity.

6. Patterns of perception: apperception; dependence on the task, attitudes and emotions; the ratio of the figure and the background; the impossibility without comprehension; relationship with speech.

Lecture 14: ATTENTION

1. Characteristics of attention

2. Properties of attention

Attention characteristic

Attention is a necessary condition for the effectiveness of all types of human activity. Unlike cognitive processes, attention has no special content, it – dynamic side of all cognitive processes, their condition and method of regulation.

Attention- this is the orientation and concentration of consciousness, suggesting an increase in the level of sensory, intellectual or motor activity of the individual.

Direction and concentration are qualities of attention. Depending on the object of concentration, the following are distinguished forms manifestations of attention: a) sensory; b) intellectual; c) motor (motor). Currently, the most studied sensory attention: visual and auditory. Attention helps to increase the efficiency of cognitive processes, because it is, as it were, manifested from within them.

Functions attention.

1. It activates the necessary and inhibits the currently unnecessary mental and physiological processes.

2. Promotes an organized and purposeful selection of information entering the body in accordance with its actual needs.

3. Provides selective and long-term concentration of mental activity on the same object or type of activity.

Consider the main kinds attention.

1. natural given to a person from birth in the form of an innate ability to selectively respond to certain external or internal stimuli that carry elements of novelty. The main mechanism of such attention is the orienting reflex.

2. socially conditioned attention develops in vivo as a result of training and education, is associated with volitional regulation of behavior.

3. Immediate attention is not controlled by anything other than the object to which it is directed and which corresponds to the actual interests and needs of the person.

4. mediated attention is regulated with the help of special means, for example, gestures, words, pointing signs, objects.

5. sensual associated with emotions and the selective work of the senses. At the center of consciousness is any sense impression.

6. intellectual, is associated mainly with the concentration and direction of thought. Here the object of interest is thought.

7. Involuntary.

8. Arbitrary.

9. Post-voluntary.

involuntary attention arises and is maintained regardless of the conscious intentions and goals of a person. The emergence of involuntary attention is determined by physical, psychophysiological and mental factors. The main conditions for its occurrence are the qualities of stimuli and mainly their novelty for the subject. The novelty lies in appearance some irritant; V change its physical properties, weakening or termination their actions; V absence familiar stimuli, their moving. Moving objects usually attract attention. Attention is drawn to everything unusual. Attention is attracted strong irritants: loud noises, bright lights and colors, pungent smell. Does it matter contrast. Involuntary attention is caused by stimuli, appropriate to the needs individual that is important to him. Involuntary attention is associated with the general orientation of the individual (his interests).

Involuntary attention occurs without any volitional effort on the part of the subject. His main function- fast and correct orientation in constantly changing environmental conditions.

Arbitrary attention is a consciously directed and regulated concentration. Voluntary attention develops on the basis of involuntary attention. These types of attention can therefore also be considered as attention levels . Each of the forms of attention can manifest itself at different levels.

Arbitrary attention arises if in activity a person sets himself a certain task and consciously develops a program of action. It takes an effort of will. Basic function voluntary attention is active regulation of the course of mental processes. Thanks to him, a person is able to extract the necessary information from memory, to carry out tasks that arise in activity.

The concept of " post-voluntary attention”Introduced by N.F. Dobrynin. It arises if in a purposeful activity for a person not only the result, but also the process of activity, its content become interesting and significant. Activity captures a person so much that he does not need noticeable volitional efforts to maintain attention.

Its difference from arbitrary - appears after it and does not require strong-willed efforts. The difference from the involuntary is that it is associated with a consciously set goal and is not caused directly by stimuli.

Attention Properties

1. Stability of attention. This is the temporal characteristic of attention. It is determined by the duration of intensive attention. An indicator of sustainability is high productivity of activity for a relatively long time. Stability depends on the characteristics of the objects of concentration and activity of the individual. The most important condition prolonged concentration - variability, mobility objects of attention. How more difficult the object, the more stable the attention, this is due to the inclusion of active mental activity. The stronger interest or the importance of the activity, the longer the concentration.

Sustainability of attention is associated with fluctuations (or fluctuations) attention, i.e. periodic short-term involuntary changes in the degree of intensity of attention. To maintain attention, internal and external activity is necessary.

2. Switching attention. It manifests itself in the deliberate transition of the subject from one activity to another, from one object to another, from one action to another. Causes switching attention can be: 1) the requirements of the activity: the transition from one object or action within one activity; 2) the need to be included in new activities in accordance with changing conditions; 3) for the purpose of recreation.

Indicators this property of attention:

1) the time spent on the transition from one activity or operation to another;

2) productivity of work: its volume or time of completion in comparison with activities without switching;

3) quality, accuracy of work (the presence of errors due to switching).

You can talk about a complete, completed switching or an incomplete, incomplete one. The success of switching depends on the series conditions: 1) features of the previous and subsequent activities, 2) their complexity, 3) the attitude of a person to each of them - if the previous one is more interesting, then switching becomes more difficult. It is difficult to switch if the previous activity is not completed.

There are significant individual differences in switching attention. Associated with the peculiarities of the mobility of nervous processes.

Attention shifting is increased through exercise. For some professions, this property is included in professional suitability.

3. Distribution of attention. This property, which is associated with the possibility of simultaneous successful execution (combination) of two or more different activities of several actions). A high level of attention distribution is a prerequisite for many professions.

The more complex the combined activities or tasks to be solved, the more difficult it is to distribute attention. The distribution of attention is more efficient when performing motor and mental activities, and it is very difficult to combine two types of mental activity. This is where skills matter. Can be developed through exercise.

4. The amount of attention. It is determined by the number of simultaneously clearly perceived objects. In an adult, it is 5-7 elements. The amount of attention depends on features perceived objects, age, physical condition.

With age, attention span increases. The main condition for expanding the scope of attention is the formation of skills to group, systematize, and unite the perceived material in terms of meaning.

In human activity, switching, distribution and volume of attention are in unity.

Conclusions:

1. Attention has no special content, it – dynamic side of all cognitive processes.

2. The main types of attention can be considered as levels of attention: involuntary, voluntary and post-voluntary attention.

3. Properties of attention: stability, switching, distribution, volume.

Lecture 15: MEMORY

1. The concept and types of memory

2. Mechanisms of memory and individual differences

3. Theories and laws of memory

4. Rules for handling memory

The concept and types of memory

The memorization, preservation and subsequent reproduction by an individual of his experience is called memory.

Memory- the processes of organizing and preserving past experience, making it possible to reuse it in activity or return to the sphere of consciousness.

Main functions memory: memorization, preservation And reproduction information. They differ in structure, initial data and results, as well as various individual development.