Attention schema theory

Attention Schema Theory is an idea that explains how people pay attention and notice things. It explains that our brains have an 'attention system' that helps us to focus on different things. The attention system works like a camera: it helps us to take in information, think about it, and process it. The attention system is controlled by two things: our conscious thoughts and our subconscious, which processes things outside of our conscious awareness. According to Attention Schema Theory, when we focus on one thing – like a person’s words – our attention system helps us to understand the meaning behind what they’re saying and to remember it. This happens without us having to think about it, because our attention system takes care of it for us.