Attention shifting is the cognitive process of redirecting focus from one stimulus or task to another. This ability allows individuals to adapt to changing environments and prioritize information based on relevance. For example, when studying, a person might shift their attention from reading a textbook to answering a question on a quiz. This skill is essential for effective multitasking and problem-solving. It involves both voluntary and involuntary shifts, where a person may consciously decide to focus on a new task or be distracted by an external stimulus, such as a loud noise. Cognitive psychology studies these mechanisms to understand how attention influences behavior and learning.