Attention is the concentration of consciousness upon one object rather than upon another' this statement is related to

Question

Accepted Answer

The statement "Attention is the concentration of consciousness upon one object rather than upon another" is a classic definition of attention in psychology, particularly in educational psychology.

Here's why Option 1 is correct and the others are incorrect:

**1. Dumvile (Correct Option):**
This specific definition of attention is widely attributed to Benjamin Dumvile, a prominent figure in early 20th-century educational psychology. Dumvile emphasized the selective nature of attention, highlighting that it involves focusing mental energy or consciousness on a particular stimulus or object while simultaneously excluding others. His definition clearly articulates attention as a process of conscious selection and concentration, which aligns perfectly with the given statement. Therefore, the statement directly reflects Dumvile's conceptualization of attention.

**2. McDougall (Incorrect Option):**
William McDougall was a British psychologist known for his instinct theory and hormic psychology. While he discussed attention within the context of conation and purpose, his definition of attention does not match the precise wording "concentration of consciousness upon one object rather than upon another." His focus was more on the purposive and goal-directed aspects of behavior, including the role of attention in achieving those goals, rather than this specific definition of conscious concentration.

**3. Munn (Incorrect Option):**
Norman L. Munn was an American psychologist known for his work in general psychology and developmental psychology. While Munn certainly addressed the topic of attention in his comprehensive texts, this particular definition is not attributed to him. His definitions of attention, while acknowledging its selective nature, typically varied in phrasing and emphasis from Dumvile's precise statement.

**4. Ross (Incorrect Option):**
James S. Ross was an educational psychologist, but this specific definition of attention is not associated with him. While Ross contributed significantly to the understanding of various psychological concepts in education, the given statement is a direct quote or paraphrase of Dumvile's well-known definition. Ross's work on attention, if any, would have different phrasing or a different theoretical emphasis.

In summary, the statement "Attention is the concentration of consciousness upon one object rather than upon another" is a direct and widely recognized definition provided by Dumvile, making Option 1 the correct answer.