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