Study Skills - Focus & Attention

What is attention?

• The process of focusing on multiple stimuli

• The process of focusing on one stimulus while ignoring others

• The process of switching between stimuli rapidly

• The process of ignoring all stimuli

What is top-down attention?

• Automatically focused attention due to stimuli

• Attention based on task demands

• Attention that blocks out competing stimuli

• Attention that leads to Directed Attention Fatigue

What causes Directed Attention Fatigue?

• Lack of interest in the task

• Inability to resist distractions

• Tiring of inhibitory mechanisms

• Excessive use of bottom-up attention

Why is multi-tasking ineffective?

• The brain can truly do multiple things at once

• It incurs a cognitive switching penalty

• It strengthens the attention muscle

• It improves focus and productivity

How can you tailor your environment for better focus?

• Choose a noisy coffee shop as your study spot

• Have multiple distractions in your study space

• Remove non-essential items from your study space

• Keep your phone nearby for emergencies

What is the benefit of breaking a task into smaller chunks?

• It increases the amount of time needed to complete the task

• It allows for better multitasking

• It helps in deciding what's essential to have out

• It creates more distractions

How can you resist cravings for novelty?

• Give in to distractions whenever they arise

• Train yourself to ignore distractions and focus on work

• Switch tasks frequently to keep the brain engaged

• Reward yourself with distractions after completing a task

What is the recommended duration for a work session before taking a break?

• 5-10 minutes

• 15-20 minutes

• 25-30 minutes

• 40-45 minutes

What should you do during short breaks?

• Switch to another task or distraction

• Stand up, stretch, and walk around

• Check social media and respond to messages

• Start a new work session immediately

What are the biological needs of the brain to improve focus?

• Lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle

• Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep

• Excessive caffeine consumption, irregular sleep patterns, and high stress levels

• Minimal physical activity, irregular sleep, and constant exposure to distractions