Our attention is like a pendulum, swinging back and forth between the outside world and our internal thoughts. When we’re busy with an external task, our attention can unexpectedly shift inward, seemingly for no reason. Exploring the external world occupies our focus, while internal attention involves searching for information stored in our memory. Scientists have long studied these two types of attention separately, but the mystery remains: what triggers the automatic switch between them? In this study, researchers propose a potential answer: familiarity-detection. This mechanism could be the spark that shifts our attention from external to internal. By detecting familiar cues or patterns, our mind may steer us towards retrieving relevant information from our memory networks. To dive deeper into this fascinating topic, check out the research article linked below!
Abstract
A central feature of our waking mental experience is that our attention naturally toggles back and forth between “external” and “internal” stimuli. In the midst of an externally demanding task, attention can involuntarily shift internally with no clear reason how or why thoughts momentarily shifted inward. In the case of external attention, we are typically exploring and encoding aspects of our external world, whereas internal attention often involves searching for and retrieving potentially relevant information from our memory networks. Cognitive science has traditionally focused on understanding forms of internal and external attention separately, leaving a mystery about what sparks the seemingly automatic shifts between the two. Specifically, what shifts attentional focus from being outward-directed to being inward-directed? We present a candidate mechanism: Familiarity-detection.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.