THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTIVE ATTENTION - A LIFE-SPAN OVERVIEW

This paper outlines research on selective attention within a life-span developmental framework. Findings obtained in both the infancy-child and adulthood-aging literatures are reviewed and discussed in relation ship to four aspects of selective attention: orienting, filtering, sea rch, and expecting. Developmental consistencies and inconsistencies ar e identified and integrative theories are evaluated. Although a single theory is unlikely to accommodate the diverse patterns of age effects , emergent themes are identifiable nonetheless and the essential ingre dients of a life-span theory of attentional development are enumerated . Directions for future research and theory are suggested.