Attentional Bias (Why do we focus on some information whilst ignoring other pieces of information?)
The Attentional Bias, a brief explanation
What is the Attentional Bias?
The attentional bias describes the tendency to focus on certain pieces of information and ignore other pieces of information.
Examples
People who have smoked cigarettes for many years show an attentional bias for smoking-related cures in their surroundings.
If you are feeling hungry you attention will be biased toward foods that can give you quick, satisfying and easy energy e.g., a chocolate bar or fast food.
The literature
Field, M. & Miles Cox, W. (2008). Attentional bias in addictive behaviors: a review of its development, causes, and consequences. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 97(1), 1-20. Doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.03.030
Shafran, R., Lee, M., Cooper, Z., Palmer, R. & Fairburn, C. (2007). Attention bias in eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 40(4), 369-380. Doi: 10.1002/eat.20375
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