Attention A Neuropsychological Approach

What is "attention" and what is the best way to understand it? Taking its cue from this key question, "Attention: A Cognitive Neuropsychological Approach" presents a detailed overview of cognitive, neuropsychological and connectionist methodologies in attention research. Sub-domains of the topic, such as focused versus divided attention, executive functioning and vigilance are discussed both from a cognitive perspective and subsequently in terms of neuropsychological work relating to disorders in that area. Alert to the current research trends, the author offers a critical assessment of the use and integration of connectionist modelling for an understanding of attention. In addition a concluding chapter offers a speculative overview of emerging research and its implications for future attention research. Clear and engaging throughout, this book will be ideal for undergraduates looking to understand this topic for the first time.

Attention: A Neuropsychological Approach provides a fascinating overview of the neuropsychological aspects of attention, revealing how we select our information, divide our attention and control our focus of interest. Through fully integrating cognitive neuropsychological perspectives on attention, Anthony Ward demonstrates how each approach can illuminate the other. Examples are provided to show how the application of theories of attention can help to further our understanding of conditions such as dementia, schizophrenia, head injury and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This clear introduction will be of great interest to undergraduates studying neuropsychology, clinical psychology, occupational therapy and mental health nursing.

What is Attention? Principles of Neuropsychology. Assessment of Attention. Speed of Processing: An All-encompassing Deficit? Selection. Controlling Attention. Maintaining Vigilance. Neural Networks and Attention. Attention and the Future.

Tony Ward is Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies. Prior to his current position, he lectured at the University of Luton and worked as a health psychologist for a cognitive assessment consultancy.