Target fixation is an
attention
Attention is the behavioral and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring other perceivable information. William James (1890) wrote that "Att ...
al phenomenon observed in humans in which an individual becomes so focused on an observed object (be it a target or hazard) that they inadvertently increase their risk of colliding with the object. It is associated with scenarios in which the operator is in control of a high-speed vehicle or other mode of transportation, such as
fighter pilots,
race-car drivers,
paragliders, and
motorcyclists.
In such cases, the observer may fixate so intently on the target that they steer in the direction of their gaze, which is often the ultimate cause of a collision.
The term target fixation was originally used in World War II
fighter-bomber
A fighter-bomber is a fighter aircraft that has been modified, or used primarily, as a light bomber or attack aircraft. It differs from bomber and attack aircraft primarily in its origins, as a fighter that has been adapted into other roles, ...
pilot training to describe pilots flying into targets during a
strafing or bombing run.
Cause and effect
Target fixation is caused by becoming focused on one thing that is usually distracting, dangerous, or rewarding.
Focus can be caused by "anticipated success", such as when trying to arrive at a destination in a certain amount of time while driving.
While experiencing target fixation, a person can be very susceptible to dangerous situations due to lack of awareness of one's surroundings.
Avoidance
To avoid this phenomenon, one can be aware and in control of vision when in a panic mode or in a reward mode.
A person should think about what they see and be aware of their environment before making any decisions.
See also
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Tunnel vision
References
Further reading
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Target Fixation
Cognition
Driving
Military tactics
Naval warfare tactics