Attentional Blink
A brief period after noticing one stimulus during which a second stimulus is likely missed.
Also known as: AB, Attention blink, Temporal attention gap
Category: Concepts
Tags: attention, cognition, psychology, perceptions, limitations
Explanation
The attentional blink is a phenomenon where, after perceiving one stimulus in a rapid stream, there's a brief window (about 200-500ms) where a second target is likely to be missed. It's as if attention 'blinks' while processing the first target. The effect demonstrates: attention has temporal limitations, processing one thing temporarily impairs ability to process the next, and conscious awareness requires attention. The blink is reduced by: training, positive emotional states, and meditation practice. It's increased by: negative emotional stimuli (which capture attention longer) and cognitive load. The attentional blink has practical implications: important information shouldn't follow too closely after other attention-grabbing content, and rapid information streams may cause missed elements. For knowledge workers, understanding the attentional blink helps: design better presentations, recognize processing limitations, and appreciate why back-to-back attention demands impair performance.
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