Salience theory

Salience theory suggests that people tend to focus on the most noticeable or prominent aspects of a situation when making decisions or judgments. Instead of considering all available information equally, individuals are more influenced by what stands out most to them—such as recent events, striking features, or unusual details. This heightened attention can skew perception and choice, leading us to prioritize salient information over more comprehensive or less obvious data. In essence, salience shapes our attention and influences our behavior based on what captures our notice most vividly.