Filtering theory

Filtering theory explains how our sensory system processes vast amounts of information by selectively focusing on relevant stimuli while ignoring irrelevant ones. It acts like a mental sieve, allowing important signals—like a friend’s voice in a noisy place—to pass through, while filtering out background noise. This process helps us concentrate, perceive, and respond effectively to our environment without being overwhelmed. Essentially, filtering guides our attention and perception by prioritizing certain inputs based on relevance, importance, or context, enabling efficient information processing in complex environments.