zoom-lens model of attention
a conceptualization of visual attention as a variably sized resource that is allocated according to interest, task demands, or other factors. Whereas the spotlight model of attention specifies a fixed size for the focal attention zone, the zoom-lens model considers it to be malleable, able to be constricted into a highly focused beam (subtending as little as a fraction of a degree of angle) or dilated to even distribution over the entire visual field. Because of limited processing capacities, however, there is a tradeoff between size adjustment and detail: An increase in the area attended results in a decrease in the resolution of detail about stimuli within that area. [proposed in 1985 by Charles W. Eriksen, U.S. psychologist, and Yei-Yu Yeh]