Attention and Skill,
Abstract
In this paper I propose a theoretical framework for the integration of attention and skill into a single unified theory. The main tenant of this framework is that the primary purpose of human cognition is to select constraints to reduce task specific behavioral alternatives. Attention is required for constraint selection when there is no skill for a task. When a task specific skill develops, attention is no longer needed. Hence, attention and skill are at the opposite ends of a human performance continuum. What is it that allows effortless skilled performance on some tasks, but requires effort on other This is a difficult question and psychology has yet to arrive at a widely accepted explanation. In this paper, I strive to provide a comprehensive framework that can be used to explore some of the fundamental psychological issues of human performance. The framework centers on task constraints the basis of human performance and draws heavily on both the ecological (e.g., Gibson, 1979) and cognitive approaches (e.g., Lindsay and Norman, 1977) to human performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP006941
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Aretz
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy