Attention: The grounds of self‐regulated cognition. Issue 1 (25th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rueda, M. Rosario; Moyano, Sebastián; Rico‐Picó, Josué
• Other Names: Wu Wayne guestEditor.; Fischer Anna guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Volume 14:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-10-25
• Subjects: activation -- attention -- development -- executive attention -- selection; Cognitive science -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1939-5086

Abstract

Abstract: Everyone knows what paying attention is, yet not everybody knows what this means in cognitive and brain function terms. The attentive state can be defined as a state of optimal activation that allows selecting the sources of information and courses of action in order to optimize our interaction with the environment in accordance with either the saliency of the stimulation or internal goals and intentions. In this article we argue that paying attention consists in tuning the mind with the environment in a conscious and controlled mode in order to enable the strategic and flexible adaptation of responses in accordance with internal motivations and goals. We discuss the anatomy and neural mechanisms involved in attention functions and present a brief overview of the neurocognitive development of this seminal cognitive function on the grounds of self‐regulated behavior. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Attention (BEAB) Brain Function and Dysfunction (BEAC) Cognitive Development (BAAD) Abstract : What is attention? Attention is a mechanism for canalizing information processing toward the conscious and voluntary regulation of actions, thoughts and emotions.