Plude D J, Enns J T, Brodeur D
Dept. of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742-4411.
Acta Psychol (Amst). 1994 Aug;86(2-3):227-72. doi: 10.1016/0001-6918(94)90004-3.
This paper outlines research on selective attention within a life-span developmental framework. Findings obtained in both the infancy-child and adulthood-aging literatures are reviewed and discussed in relationship to four aspects of selective attention: orienting, filtering, search, and expecting. Developmental consistencies and inconsistencies are identified and integrative theories are evaluated. Although a single theory is unlikely to accommodate the diverse patterns of age effects, emergent themes are identifiable nonetheless and the essential ingredients of a life-span theory of attentional development are enumerated. Directions for future research and theory are suggested.
