FRHD 2270 Chapter 5: Chapter 5

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Family Relations and Human Development
• Course: FRHD 2270
• Professor: Robyn Pitman

Document Summary

Attention: is the process by which we select information that will be processed further. When presented with a strong or unfamiliar stimulus, an orienting response usually occurs. Orienting response: a person startles, fixes the eyes on the stimulus, and shows changes in heart rate and brain wave patterns. After repeated presentation of stimulus, people become accustom to it and their orientainf response diminishes and eventually disappears-a sign of habituation: habituation indicates that attention is selective. During the preschool years, children gradually become able to regulate their attention: the way children examine and play with toys, stay focused longer on tv. An equally important part of paying attention is inhibiting unwanted or interfering thoughts and behaviors: such skills are not very strong in preschool. We can help young children maintain attention by making relevant information more salient than irrelevant information: remove distracting sti(cid:373)uli"s, periodically reminding them to pay attention. 3-5% of children are diagnosed with adhd, with boys outweighing girls 3-1.