Which term describes attention directed toward external stimuli in the context of ADHD?

Which term describes attention directed toward external stimuli in the context of ADHD?

• A. Selective Attention
• B. Sustained Attention
• C. Divided Attention
• D. Focused Attention

Answer: (A)

Selective attention is about focusing on a task-relevant external stimulus while filtering out distractions. In ADHD, distractibility is a hallmark, so the way attention is directed toward external information—and how distractions compete for that attention—fits this term best. Sustained attention concerns holding focus over time, divided attention involves multitasking, and focused attention is often used interchangeably with selective attention but doesn’t capture the filtering of external distractions as clearly.

Selective attention is about focusing on a task-relevant external stimulus while filtering out distractions. In ADHD, distractibility is a hallmark, so the way attention is directed toward external information—and how distractions compete for that attention—fits this term best. Sustained attention concerns holding focus over time, divided attention involves multitasking, and focused attention is often used interchangeably with selective attention but doesn’t capture the filtering of external distractions as clearly.