Concentration Shields Against Distraction

In the article, the ways in which concentration shields against distraction are examined. It basically states that, the higher the level of concentration the more difficult it is to become distracted. While engaged in activities that call for high levels of concentration, people seldom heed the distractions surrounding. The article also provides two reasons why it is believed that concentration shields against distraction. The first reason is “undesired processing of the background is reduced”, and this means that if someone is engaged in an activity that causes for a high level of concentration it is unlikely that they will pay attention to things surrounding them. For example, if during a basketball game the score is tied and a player is fouled and sent to the free throw line, the pressure of the game is on the player shooting free throws, so he/she has a high concentration level and is likely to eliminate all distractions by tuning out every sound around him/her. …show more content…
The example the article gave for this is “ when people are watching an entertaining episode of their favorite television series, as opposed to a less absorbing show, attention is less likely to be diverted away from the screen by a ringing telephone.” Another important thing to take from the article is the fact that while concentration shares close relation with focused attention, effort, and motivation, they are not equals. Concentration indicates the extent to which one has focused attention while focused attention refers to the capacity to undertake every task approaching. As for effort and motivation, these concepts refer to the capacity to aim and strive for better. The article is sure to state that effort and motivation are not needed for