Capturing Attention (00:36)

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Try to count the number of footballs as they fly across the screen. There were 27, but you didn't need to count to get the right answer.

Introduction: Focus Pocus (00:43)

This program will put you through experiments designed to test your attention, and teach you to improve your focus.

Concentration at Football Game (02:16)

Concentrate on this particular receiver during the play. He makes the catch and goes off-screen; a different player is congratulated, but many will not notice the switch.

Inattentional Blindness (01:56)

Be the referee on a field goal attempt. By focusing on the ball, you fail to notice three cheerleaders removing the outer layer of their tops.

Smooth Pursuit (01:22)

Your eyes focus on a fast-moving object to provide smooth pursuit. Learn how the eye provides focused and peripheral vision.

Narrowing Attentional Spotlight (03:01)

Your attentional spotlight can be 1/1000 your field of vision. A man cannot find a particular card in the deck; it is on the magician's forehead.

Hiding Deck (01:20)

While you track a particular card, the magician hides the rest of the deck without your noticing it is gone. He diverts your focus with his eyes.

Interpretation and Vision (02:36)

What we see is not raw visual input, but interpretation; the brain determines what input is real. Focus on one of four footballs; the others will disappear.

Peripheral Vision Experiment (04:48)

The visual cortex focuses on content the fovea delivers; peripheral vision is blurry. Focus on an X; your peripheral vision may not be able to distinguish people's gender.

Peripheral Vision Test (02:09)

Test your ability to identify gender with peripheral vision. The brain creates a seamless high-resolution image the eyes themselves cannot, but peripheral vision detects motion well.

Continuity Errors (02:39)

Continuity errors result from splicing together takes of a scene. Track how many times meals change during a scene. There are other changes you missed while doing so.

Card Trick (01:14)

Take advantage of what you have learned about the brain's focus; follow the card as the magician tries to misdirect you.

Credits: Focus Pocus (00:13)

Credits: Focus Pocus