What term describes the ability to concentrate and focus mental resources?

The correct term for the ability to concentrate and focus mental resources is attention span. Attention span refers specifically to the length of time a person can concentrate on a task without becoming distracted. It is crucial for effective learning and task completion, as it allows individuals to engage fully with the material or activity at hand.

Working memory also plays a pivotal role in cognitive functioning by allowing individuals to hold and manipulate information temporarily. While related to attention, it focuses more on the storage and processing of information rather than the capacity to focus over time.

Reaction time is the speed at which an individual responds to a stimulus, which is linked to attention but does not directly measure the ability to focus. Similarly, short-term memory pertains to the brief retention of information, but it does not encapsulate the broader concept of maintaining sustained focus on tasks or stimuli.

In summary, attention span is specifically about sustained concentration and focus, making it the most accurate choice in this context.