Two theories of processing

Question 1

Early selection theory

Answer 1

Holds that we select what we want to attend to very early on and ignore all other info. Based on physical stimulus, not meaning. Dichotic listening task supports this. We can’t hear things from unattended ear, except change of sex.

Question 2

Counter to early selection

Answer 2

Cocktail phenomenon. Hearing your conversation well in a busy pub and ignoring all other, but you do hear your name. This is not physically different, just has meaning for you so it counters the fact that you don’t process anything

Question 3

Late selection theory

Answer 3

Full high-level meaningful processing of all input. Selection is later on where everything is analyzed.

Question 4

Attenuation theory

Answer 4

Combination of early and late. Non-attended info can reach higher levels if it’s attenuated. Has to be salient

Question 5

Flexible selection theory

Answer 5

Attention can influence selection at multiple levels. It’s not all or none, but depends on stimulus/task.

Question 6

When early selection

Answer 6

With difficult tasks, capacity is filled so don’t process late

When you know what to attend to, something salient like red shirt

Question 7

Late selection

Answer 7

With easy tasks

When you don’t know what to attend to

Question 8

Auditive attention

Answer 8

Effects of attention can be seen 20-50 ms after stimulus onset. Info arrives at A1. Not seen in subcortical structures.

Question 9

Visual attention

Answer 9

Effects 100 ms after stimulus onset. At V1, also seen in the LGN (subcorticle)