Which phenomenon allows a person to focus on one stimulus while ignoring others?

The phenomenon that allows a person to focus on one stimulus while ignoring others is known as selective attention. This cognitive process involves tuning in to specific input (like a conversation or a particular sound) while filtering out a wide array of other stimuli that are present in the environment.

Selective attention is essential for navigating complex environments where multiple sources of information compete for our focus. For example, it enables us to concentrate on a single conversation in a crowded room or during a busy event, thus enhancing our ability to understand and respond to that particular stimulus while disregarding distractions.

The cocktail party effect describes a related aspect where one can hear their name spoken across a noisy room, demonstrating how selective attention works despite the presence of competing sounds. However, it is a specific example of selective attention, rather than the term that defines the general phenomenon. Divided attention refers to the ability to process multiple stimuli simultaneously, which contrasts with the focus required for selective attention. Auditory segregation pertains to the ability to distinguish between different sounds, but it does not fully capture the mechanism of focusing on one stimulus amidst many.