Page 57 - The CoESPU Magazine N 1 - 2018

• sustained attention: the ability to maintain an adequate level of performance;
• selective attention: the capacity to maintain a cognitive set that includes both activation and the
inhibition of a specific responses (e.g. Swat team members);
• alternating attention: the ability to switch from one task to another;
• divided attention: the ability to cope with more than one task at a time (use of mobile phone
during the driving!)
For each of the foregoing levels, it is possible to find specific tests designed to analyse the different
aspects of attention.
But very important is not to confuse attention with visual field. Attention is a cognitive function, and it
is the capacity use in a better way, our brain resources, to cope with a specific task, and eventually to
put in action an appropriate behavior or motor skill.
During the selection of military and police personnel the evaluation of these mental function it could be
an essential step, and the training it should be also organized to increase not only physical performance
but also mental performance like Attention.

Written by:
Doctor Davide Perego
Neuroscientist, Psyco-Neuro Physiologist, expert in psycho-
pathology and neuropsychology

55