What Is Attention?
Types of attention, neural circuits, and performance implications
Attention is the control panel for every cognitive task.
Selective attention gain
+21%
After 4 weeks of go/no-go practice
Sustained attention decay
-35%
Drop after a week of <6h sleep
Types of Attention
Selective attention filters noise so you can focus on a single stimulus. Sustained attention keeps that focus for minutes at a time. Alternating attention swaps between tasks, while divided attention attempts to handle two inputs simultaneously (and usually fails).
Understanding which type you need for a task lets you choose the correct drill—go/no-go for selective, vigilance tasks for sustained, and task-switching drills for alternating attention.
Neural Architecture
Attention lives in a network that includes the prefrontal cortex (goal setting), parietal lobes (spatial focus), and thalamus (sensory gating). The anterior cingulate monitors conflicts and reallocates focus when you get distracted.
When dopamine and norepinephrine are balanced, this network hums. Sleep loss or chronic stress throws the balance off, producing sluggish focus.
Practical Applications
Engineers need selective and sustained attention for debugging. Gamers rely on alternating attention to scan minimaps while executing combos. Students carve out sustained attention for reading, then alternate attention during problem sets.
Measure the type you struggle with most and train it directly so every project benefits.
Action Steps
Identify attention type gaps
Audit tasks from the past week and label which attention type failed.
Match drills to needs
Use BrainGames focus drills aligned to the weakest type.
Protect neurochemistry
Prioritize sleep, sunlight, and movement to stabilize attention networks.
Recommended Games
Reaction Time
Highlights selective attention lapses instantly.
Sequence Memory
Demands sustained attention through patterns.
Related Resources
Action steps for better attention.
Workout template for attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is divided attention real?
Not really. The brain switches rapidly between tasks. Training alternating attention minimizes the cost, but true multitasking remains inefficient.
Why do I zone out?
Zoning out signals low arousal or boredom. Adjust challenge, posture, or environment to re-engage.