attention

In the Latin term attentio It is where the etymological origin of the term attention is found that we are now going to proceed to analyze in depth. A word that is composed of three parts: the prefix ad- which is synonymous with “towards”, the verb stall which can be translated as "stretch" and finally the suffix -tion which is equivalent to "action and effect".

Attention It is a term with different meanings and that can be used in different areas. For the psychology, attention is a quality of perception which works as a kind of filter for environmental stimuli, evaluating which ones are the most relevant and giving them priority for deeper processing.

On the other hand, attention is also understood as the mechanism that controls and regulates cognitive processes. There are times when he even acts unconsciously.

Psychologists establish two types of determinants of attention: internal determinants (those that are specific to the individual and that depend on him) and external determinants (coming from the middle).

In the first group, we can mention the organic state (the impulses that the subject experiences when receiving the stimulation), the interests (related to what attracts the person. For example: a lover of sport pay close attention to a soccer game), the social suggestion and the courses of thought.

Among the external determinants, the stimulus power (for example, a loud sound), the change (an alteration in the field of perception), the size (an imposing image), the repetition (a weak stimulus that gains strength from being repeated constantly), the movement (a displacement that generates a reaction), the contrast (a stimulus that contrasts with the environment) and the structural organization.

In addition to all the above, it is important to determine that this term that we are now dealing with is also used in the field of health. Specifically, we talk about what is known as primary care, which is the medical assistance that a person with a health problem receives at first.

In the same way, in the colloquial sphere the expression “attracting attention” is used. With it what comes to be said is that a person or a specific element manages to arouse the curiosity or interest of another. Thus, for example, a phrase that would explain this meaning would be the following: "The spectacular showcase of that store managed to attract the attention of all passersby".

And all this without forgetting the existence of another very common expression that is the "call for attention". With it, what is defined is the warning that someone carries out to another person. One of the most common places where it is used is in education, since it is common to hear the following phrase “The teacher made a call to Manuel about his bad behavior in class and the consequences that this would have if he continues to act in a that way".

Other uses of the word attention refer to the courtesy (attention as a demonstration of respect) and to call to the soldiers formed to begin an exercise or a maneuver.