Synonyms
Definition
Attention span refers to an individual’s ability to attend to a stimulus or object over a period of time. This ability is also known as sustained attention or vigilance.
Description
Attention includes a number of components, one of which, attention span, is the ability to maintain focus and alertness over a period of time. Sustained attention requires persistence and motivation [2]. Thus, individuals with short attention spans may appear to give up or not put sufficient effort into tasks. Attention span increases with age, and is related to, and plays a role in other aspects of functioning including learning, memory, academic performance, and the understanding and processing of large quantities of information [1, 3].
Research has shown that a child’s sustained attention develops in a linear fashion until the age of four, but then undergoes a dramatic increase between the ages of 4 and 6 years [1]. Between the ages of 7 and 8 years...
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References
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Levin, E., Bernier, J. (2011). Attention Span. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_226
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_226
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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