Models of Attention

In order to understand the concept of attention, the current state of investigation requires some deconstruction of the construct. Historically, this deconstruction has led to the development of numerous models of attention based on the operation of what were conceived as dissociable functions. These models are reviewed. The position of the current authors that attention is best understood as the processes involved in the operation of an integrated system is outlined. The position includes the idea that the integrated system includes reward saliency, motivation, working memory, and other factors falling under the heading of executive function. The position also held for an emotional component as an equal variable. A developmental perspective is provided to support the idea that attention underpins most, if not all, cognitive processes.