Cocktail party effect and attention models
While focusing on one conversation at a party, you notice when someone across the room says your name. This observation is most difficult for which model to explain?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Treisman's model turns down unattended input rather than blocking it, so important words like your name can still break through.
B
Late selection holds that all input is processed for meaning before selection, which fits the observation.
C
The observation is a challenge to a specific filtering model, not to the idea of divided attention.
D
Correct. Broadbent proposed that unattended input is filtered out before its meaning is processed, so a meaningful word like your name should not get through.
TakeawayEarly selection filters before meaning. Attenuation weakens unattended input. Late selection processes everything for meaning.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps107.