attention theories

Attention theories explore how we focus on specific aspects of our environment while ignoring others. They suggest that our brains process information selectively, selecting what to concentrate on based on relevance and importance. Key theories include Broadbent's filter model, which proposes a filtering mechanism for unwanted stimuli, and Treisman's attenuation model, which suggests that unattended information is processed at a lower level. These theories help us understand how we manage sensory overload and make decisions about what to notice in a complex world, influencing disciplines from psychology to artificial intelligence.