Attention Metaphors

Auditory Attention - Auditory attention has been conceptualized as a "filter" on sounds that selects the stimuli that we "hear" and blocks the remainder. (Broadbent, 1958). Later theories have viewed auditory attention as more like a "volume" adjustment on a radio. Volume is turned down on unattended auditory stimuli. Conversely, the brain can turn up the volume selectively when needed. This Attenuation Model explains how some unattended stimuli are still perceived, for example, the "Cocktail Party" effect (Treisman, 1960). This is the term used for the phenomena of being in a crowd listening to a conversation and, yet, hearing one's name mentioned across the room.*

The Cocktail Party Effect in Action fMRI of Simultaneously Searching for Two Sounds with Different Characteristics.**

Broadbent, D., Perception and Communication. London: Pergamon Press, 1958.
Treisman, A. M., "Contextual cues in selective listening," Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, (1960), 77, 533-546.
* in LaVoie, N., "Selective Attention," University of Colorado, lecture notes.
**Graphic from the University of Tohoku, Japan.