Attention: Distraction, Daydreaming and Diversity (C8895)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

The ability to control and focus attention can deeply impact our daily lives. This impact ranges from our academic performance to our personal safety during driving.

On this module, you’ll explore:

• why some people appear find it easier to avoid distraction
• why some people find their attention powerfully drawn to particular things
• theories on attention regarding the potential causes of attention differences
• how to apply this theory to explore different factors of attention – including affective traits, addiction, cultural differences and neurodiversity
• research skills, such as the critically analysing research studies in the field.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Psychology (with a professional placement year) BSc
• Psychology BSc
• Psychology with Business and Management BSc
• Psychology with Clinical Approaches BSc
• Psychology with Criminology BSc
• Psychology with Neuroscience BSc