Attention can be voluntary or involuntary. What is voluntary attention?

Voluntary attention refers to the conscious decision to focus on a specific stimulus or task. This type of attention is typically deliberate, where an individual actively chooses what to concentrate on based on their goals or intentions. For example, when studying for an exam, a student might consciously direct their focus to the textbook, intentionally ignoring surrounding distractions.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of attention that do not fit the definition of voluntary attention. An unplanned focus on a change in the environment suggests a reactive response rather than a deliberate choice. A distraction from multiple stimuli implies a lack of focused attention, while an automatic response to sensory input indicates a reflexive or involuntary reaction rather than a conscious decision. Understanding the distinction between voluntary and involuntary attention is key in cognitions involving focus and concentration.