The Comparative Psychology of Attention: Cognitive, Behavioral, and Evolutionary Perspectives

This book presents a survey of attention research in the field of comparative cognition. Attention is a fundamental cognitive process relevant to countless aspects of human life, and one that is shared by many other animals. It allows for the preferential allocation of cognitive resources to different parts of one’s environment. It contributes to seemingly simple functions, such as perception and categorization, while also influencing extremely complex behaviors, including social interactions and communication. Research has revealed details of how attention functions, while also demonstrating that those functions are relevant to animals including mammals, birds, fish, and insects. In addition, we now understand some of the neurochemical and neuroanatomical mechanisms that support attention. Research programs have led to practical applications and exposed some of the limitations inherent to attention. These include disorders such as AD/HD, as well as surprising failures that we all experience, such as change blindness. Chapters are contributed by leading researchers in the field, with each presenting their unique perspective on attention. The book’s topic will appeal to academics in psychology, as well as neuroscience, and the cognitive sciences. It should also be of interest to academics in related areas including ecology, evolutionary biology, artificial intelligence, and philosophy.