Abstract This paper discusses attention and defines it as a task-oriented focus maintained to achieve specific goals that tends to be enhanced through developing strategies that enhance focus. The paper explores one strategy that appears to be successful in this area, which utilizes variables that address various levels of perception. It explains that however, not every individual has the same response to a given stimulus, nor is there a universal strategy that can be applied to enhance perception and hold attention for all members of a given team. The author also addresses these issues in a brief exploration of what makes a successful team environment.
From the Paper "Attention, specifically a task-oriented focus maintained to achieve specific goals, tends to be enhanced through developing strategies that enhance focus. One strategy that appears to be successful in this area is that of utilizing variables that address various levels of perception. However, not every individual has the same response to a given stimulus, nor is there a universal strategy that can be applied to enhance perception and hold attention for all members of a given team (Strange & Banning, 2000). The creation of an environment that aids the attention and the perceptive processes of each member will need to identify the unique attributes and characteristics of the team as a whole. Personally, my threshold for auditory stimuli is quite low; I have an acute sense of hearing with a very wide range. I have always attributed this to the fact that I have asthma, as persons with asthma ..."
Abstract The paper explores attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by considering its history, symptoms, and the way in which children are assessed. The paper then devotes time to discussing the cognitive ablilities of children with ADHD, including memory skills, and concludes with a brief discussion on future issues facing children with the disorder.
Outline:
Introduction
Historical Overview
"The Story of Fidigty Philip"
Assessment of Children with ADHD
Cognitive Abilities of Children with ADHD
ADHD Children and Memory
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although ADHD was not discovered by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman, a physican who published a number of books pertaining to psychiatry and medicine, his book "The Story of Fidigty Philip" (1863) clearly portrays a child with ADHD. Nevertheless, it was not until 1902 that Sir George F. Still described a condition which he entitled "Morbid Defect of Moral Control," and which he ascribed to a genetic disorder rather than that of poor parenting. His work described a group of children with significant behavioral problems, including high levels of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, thus referring to what is now termed ADHD."
Abstract This paper discusses how studies regarding the components of attention and perception have long been considered essential in understanding the human brain; parallel studies in other scientific fields have increased its consequence by identifying it as important factors in human evolution and development. In particular, the paper examines how understanding selective attention in the process of visual perception requires the recognition of the different attention mechanisms that are involved in the identification of a stimulus versus those that are involved after the process of perception. The paper also looks at how modern cognitive neuroscience experts in particular are emphasizing the need to further understand the components of selective visual attention to an attentional spotlight considering neuroanatomy and timing.
From the Paper "According to Chris Chatam (2006), "The spotlight metaphor of attention accords with our subjective experience: as we move throughout our environment, we can feel our attention "focus" on particular objects, much like an adjustable flashlight might." Thus, attention functions as a means of resolution of perception ambiguities that occur in the process of neural coding of how multiple objects are being perceived. This has been observed when attention was measured via electrophysiological instruments (LaBerge et al, 1997). Walther and his associates' (2005) studies point out that the process of visual searching includes both the process of spatially selective attention to the target and at the same time specific attention modulation to the visual area through retinotopic organization V1 ahs not been deterministic. "
This paper discusses attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) and looks at the effects it has on high school students.
Abstract In this article, the writer first provides a definition for AD and HD disorders. The writer explains that both attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD) are neuro chemical disorders that are diagnosed by medical doctors and psychologists. The writer points out that the main symptoms of these disorders are inattention, impulsiveness and sometimes hyperactivity. The writer then discusses these disorders with relation to high school children. The writer examines the effects these disorders have on the school lives of such children.
Outline:
Introduction
Traits of Students with AD/HD
Teaching Strategies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Problems with AD/HD can become more severe in junior high and high school because students are expected to be more organized, while the school is less organized. The students have different teachers for each subject. They must go to their lockers, accurately choose what they need in a short period of time, and travel between classes. Their teachers do not know them as well because they don't have the student for the entire day. The student's strengths may not be noticed in those short periods of time. The student has to keep assignments straight from many teachers and once again make sure he takes the right materials home. Students with AD/HD often have marked difficulty with organization, and all these factors can aggravate that problem."
Abstract This paper examines the myths and the true facts about the Attentionattention deficit disorder. The author provides an overview of the causes for and the symptoms of the disorder. Then, he introduces behavioral and drug therapies available to patients today.
From the Paper "Before we turn to a discussion of the ways in which ADD may be treated we must first define what exactly we mean by this term, which is used by the lay public to refer to a wide range of behaviors. The condition that is now referred to as ADD (and which is also rather confusingly called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was until quite recently usually called hyperactivity. It was also believed to be found only in children who exhibited its typical symptoms of being easily distracted, often restless and often irritable, as well as impulsive and easily upset and excited. It was also believed that such symptoms reflected a history of abusive behavior towards the child or consistent poor parenting, Now scientists believe that ADD is a lifetime condition rather than something that affects children alone and that its basis is biochemical and genetic rather than an expression of psychological trauma. "
Abstract This paper explains that the attention and memory processes are both complex and little understood and that these processes undergo different stages of development in the early years. The paper also highlights the importance of the teacher's role in the development of the memory and attention processes in young children and describes methods teachers can use to foster this development in their students.
From the Paper "Attention and memory are two primary psychological processes that have been studied extensively. Presently, they still exist as only theories about how attention and memory operate, what structures are involved, and especially how the complicated processes actually work. In many ways, it reminds us that our present knowledge about how the brain operates is still a bit of a mystery. All children go through the same stages of human development, albeit in their own unique way. It is up to us as educators to be in tune with those stages to best assist them in their growth."
Abstract There exist specific techniques that can be used in the classroom to develop attention and memory. This paper shows how valuable information and concepts can be memorized by students using a variety of techniques, such as music, repetitiveness, and visual aids. This paper also shows that there are several techniques a teacher can use to motivate students to capture their attention. These include working from students' strengths and interests, making the students active participants in learning, and varying teaching methods.
From the Paper "An additional technique that teachers may utilize to promote memorization is repetitiveness. Many of us may recall the use of flash cards in school when we were younger. The teacher would show us a card with a sight word on it, and then show it again, and yet again. At such a ripe age it was quite possible that we were not able to comprehend the importance of this repetitiveness; however with enough practice we were able to commit those sight words to memory. "Early introduction of Dolch Sight Words, preferably in kindergarten during the regular academic year, with systematic daily practice and reinforcement provided throughout kindergarten and first grade, will lead to early reading success and preclude much of the need for remediation in later grades," (picturemereading.com)."
Abstract The paper focuses on insight problem solving and the components that help ensure high levels of performance. The paper discovers that it is highly probable that successful insight problem solving draws upon mindfulness, but this cannot be proven using the scope of the current literature. What the paper says can be proven, however, is that the aspects associated with improved performance of insight problem solving - specifically retention of information and improved focus - can be enhanced through training.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Failures of Broad-Level Attention and Problem Solving
Selection of Information Used in Problem Solving
Teaching Relevant Information Selection and Attention Focus
Mindfulness and Real Life Problem Solving
Conclusion
From the Paper "Insight problems and insight problem solving rely heavily on domains of thinking that are non-traditional or utilize areas of experience that are not commonly encountered as first-response outcomes. For instance, if a problem were stated: "Marsha and Marjorie were born on the same day of the same month of the same year to the same mother and the same father yet they are not twins. How is that possible?" the solution cannot be derived from the known information within the question but can be answered through associating other scenarios that do not, at first blush, appear to be related. This example problem can easily be solved if it were known that Marsha and Marjorie has another sister and they are triplets, not twins, but the governing assumption in a scenario of this nature is to focus on the problem word "twins" and not extend the line of thinking to potential solutions beyond this limiting point."
Abstract The paper defines and describes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in order to research the side effects of psychotropic medication in children when compared with herbal remedies. The paper also examines behavior modification implemented in the classroom. The paper then shows how each of these treatments has advantages and disadvantages and concludes that more research is needed.
Outline:
Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Treatments for ADHD
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the National Institutes of Health, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder was first brought to the attention of the medical and psychological communities in 1902 when Sir George Still published lectures that were given to the Royal College of Physicians in England. The lectures discussed children displaying impulsive behavior as a result of a genetic dysfunction. The symptoms associated with ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder"; Barondes, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses attention deficit hyperactivity, covering the history behind the diagnosis, current opinions and methods of treatment. The paper also provides data from studies carried out that have discovered that children experiencing traits resembling today's ADHD usually had someone else in the family also afflicted, that is that this problem runs in families. The paper includes some figures, diagrams and sample assessments charts as well as guidelines as set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the diagnosis and evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder.
Outline:
Students Like C.J.
A Diagnostic Label
More than 100 Years Ago
In time
Contemporary Consensus Regarding Diagnosis of ADHD
American Academy of Pediatrics: Guidelines for ADHD Assessment
Diagnosis of ADHD DSM-IV- TR Criteria
Treatment Tactics
Medication With Therapy
Six-Session Study
The MTA Study
Answers from Research Stimulates New Question
From the Paper "ADHD, as conceptualized today, does not constitute a new condition. More than 100 years ago, in three consecutive issues in The Lancet in 1902, Dr. Still described children displaying syndrome symptom, similar to the way researchers identify ADHD today. When Dr. Still lectured to the Royal College of Physicians, he described children who "had an inhibition of the will....were not able to control themselves...not able to partake effectively as members of a group...seemed to have a moral defect and their defect...could not conform and be a contributing, supportive part of the group effort." (Prince, 1994-2008) Although the symptoms these children displayed, resembled challenges children with obvious brain injuries portrayed, neither the children nor the families of these children came from families with no apparent brain injuries. Consequently, two initial terminologies, "minimal brain disease" and "minimal brain dysfunction" evolved."
Abstract This paper is a discussion on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a pattern of inattention and impulsive behavior with or without symptoms of hyperactivity. The author examines how children affected by ADHD react to the drug Ritalin, how it is proven effective on a short term basis, but not long term.
From the Paper "According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by a pattern of inattention and impulsivity with or without symptoms of hyperactivity. A diagnosis of AD/HD requires that symptoms appear before the child is seven years old and persist for at least six months. It is estimated that between 3% and 5% of school-aged children have AD/HD with boys being affected more often than girls. Children with AD/HD are more subject to poor self-esteem, learning disabilities, and conduct problems. They fail to complete assignments, lose their work and tend to be disorganized."
Abstract This paper introduces the common childhood disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and discusses the signs, symptoms, affects and treatments of the disorder.
From the Paper "Children with ADHD face a dual situation. They must face the fact that they have a disorder and be open to trying treatments that are often controversial. The drugs used to treat it have come under fire for many years and parents are often searching for natural treatments that will work. This discovery about massage helping the ADHD participants stay on task hints at future holistic success in treating the disorder."
This paper reviews an article by K. L. O'Connell about the pediatric nurse's role in the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 33.95
Abstract The author believes that this article by K. L. O'Connell is a valuable practical guide to the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The paper reviews O'Connell's working description of some aspects of the nursing process. This paper states that the nurse's primary role emerges at the assessment stage and that the second important nursing role, especially for school nurses, is in the treatment of ADHD.
From the Paper "Behavioral interventions, controlled environments and individual and family counseling also are described as complementary aspects of treatment. In the sample case O'Connell describes a subject whose symptoms were first identified by a pediatric nurse and whose school performance and behavior were vastly improved by two years of Ritalin therapy and environment management (e.g., seating selection and isolated settings for academic testing)."
An overview of the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and discussion of whether children actually grow out of it.
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 9 sources, 2002, $ 106.95
Abstract This paper seeks to determine whether any children suffering from ADHD ever really 'grow out of it', identifies and analyzes the specific factors involved, discusses what treatments may be administered to assist the process, and draws appropriate conclusions as to the veracity of the data in the sources which have been consulted. The difficulties involved in diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults are also examined, as is the question of whether these difficulties trigger uncertainty about the scope of adult ADHD and subsequently hinder any true understanding of how many children grow out of ADHD.
