inattentional blindness
failure to see visible objects when our attention in directed elsewhere
Inattentional blindness is a phenomenon where an individual fails to perceive an unexpected object or event that is in plain sight, due to their attention being focused on another task or event. This can occur even when the individual is actively looking for the unexpected object or event.
One classic example is the video of a group of people passing a basketball to each other. Participants are asked to count how many times the ball is passed between those wearing white. While they are counting, a person dressed in a gorilla suit walks through the scene. Approximately 50% of participants fail to notice the gorilla, even though it was directly in front of them.
This phenomenon has been observed in various fields, including aviation, education, and healthcare. Inattentional blindness can have serious consequences, such as failing to notice important information during surgery or while driving.
To reduce inattentional blindness, it is important to actively shift attention and focus on the entire situation rather than just one aspect. This can involve taking breaks, looking away from the task at hand, and actively scanning the environment. Furthermore, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for inattentional blindness and actively combat it through intentional thought and effort.
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