Attention hypothesis of automatization refers to the proposal that attention is needed during a learning phase of a new task.
The attention hypothesis of automatization is a theory in cognitive psychology that explains how people learn to perform tasks automatically with practice. According to this theory, automaticity arises from the allocation of attentional resources during practice. As a person becomes more skilled at a task, attentional demands decrease, allowing for greater automaticity.
Here are some examples to help explain the attention hypothesis of automatization:
-
Typing: When someone first learns to type, they must pay close attention to the location of each key and the movements required to press them. However, with practice, typing becomes more automatic, and attentional demands decrease. Skilled typists can type quickly and accurately without thinking about each individual key.
-
Driving: When someone first learns to drive, they must pay close attention to the road, traffic signs, and the car's controls. However, with practice, driving becomes more automatic, and attentional demands decrease. Experienced drivers can drive without thinking about each individual action, such as changing gears or using turn signals.
-
Playing a musical instrument: When someone first learns to play a musical instrument, they must pay close attention to the notes, finger positions, and timing. However, with practice, playing the instrument becomes more automatic, and attentional demands decrease. Skilled musicians can play complex pieces of music without thinking about each individual note.
-
Sports: When someone first learns to play a sport, they must pay close attention to their movements, the ball, and their opponents. However, with practice, playing the sport becomes more automatic, and attentional demands decrease. Skilled athletes can perform complex movements and make split-second decisions without thinking about each individual action.
Overall, the attention hypothesis of automatization explains how people learn to perform tasks automatically with practice. As attentional demands decrease, automaticity increases, allowing for greater efficiency and skill in performing the task.