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Attention Metaphors: How Metaphors Guide the Cognitive Psychology of Attention
Author(s) -
FernandezDuque Diego,
Johnson Mark L.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
cognitive science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.498
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1551-6709
pISSN - 0364-0213
DOI - 10.1207/s15516709cog2301_4
Subject(s) - metaphor , cognitive science , construct (python library) , flexibility (engineering) , frame (networking) , cognitive psychology , focus (optics) , selection (genetic algorithm) , object (grammar) , psychology , cognition , filter (signal processing) , epistemology , cognitive flexibility , computer science , artificial intelligence , linguistics , neuroscience , philosophy , telecommunications , statistics , physics , mathematics , optics , computer vision , programming language
The concept of attention is defined by multiple inconsistent metaphors that scientists use to identify relevant phenomena, frame hypotheses, construct experiments, and interpret data. (1) The Filter metaphor shapes debates about partial vs. complete filtering, early vs. late selection, and information filtering vs. enhancement. (2) The Spotlight metaphor raises the issue of space‐ vs. object‐based selection, and it guides research on the size, shape, and movement of the attentional focus. (3) The Spotlight‐in‐the‐Brain metaphor is frequently used to interpret imaging studies of attention. (4) The debate between supramodal and pre‐motor theories of attention replays the dichotomy between the Spotlight and the Vision metaphors of attention. Our analysis reveals the central role of metaphor in scientific theory and research on attention, exposes hidden assumptions behind various research strategies, and shows the need for flexibility in the use of current metaphors.