Sustained Attention (Vigilance)

Definition

The ability to maintain consistent attentional focus over extended periods, especially when stimulation is low or monotonous.

Levels of Analysis

Neural: right prefrontal cortex, parietal regions, locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system
Cognitive: continuous monitoring, arousal regulation, resistance to vigilance decrement
Behavioral: stable task engagement, maintaining performance accuracy, avoiding lapses

Inputs

• low-frequency or repetitive stimuli
• task demands requiring prolonged monitoring
• baseline arousal level
• environmental stability or monotony

Outputs

• sustained detection of relevant signals
• reduced performance variability
• delayed onset of fatigue-related decline

Related Processes

• Arousal Regulation
• Executive Attention
• Performance Monitoring
• Fatigue Management

Related Models

• Resource Depletion Models
• Arousal-Based Models
• Signal Detection Theory (applied to vigilance tasks)

Related Biases / Failures

• Vigilance Decrement
• Mind-Wandering
• Lapses of Attention

Example

An air traffic controller monitors radar screens for long intervals, maintaining readiness to detect rare but critical signals.

Visual Schema 

Low Stimulation → Monitoring → Arousal Regulation → Sustained Performance