Filter theory

Attenuation theory , Multimode

 Presented by
 Vanshika nagar
Introduction to Filter theory

 The filter theory of selective attention, often associated with Donald

Broadbent’s work in the 1950s, proposes that people process
information in stages and filter out unnecessary stimuli early in the
process to focus on what’s most relevant.
 Broadbent’s model, also known as BROADBENT’S FILTER MODEL OF
ATTENTION, helps explain how people can pay attention to specific
information in environments filled with competing stimuli.
 This theory suggests that attention operates as a selective filter that
processes information in a serial manner
 Attention acts as a rigid filter that blocks out all unattended
information after an initial sensory processing stage.
Broadbents filter theory

 The filter select information based on physical characteristics (such as

pitch or volume) and prevents other , unattended information from
being processed.
Stages according to theory

 * Sensory input stage :- All incoming sensory information enters the

brain through the sensory register, which temporarily holds all stimuli
 *Selective filter :-This filter then screens information based on
physical characteristics , such as pitch ,loudness , or location. Only
information that Meets certain physical criteria (such as volume in
noisy room) passes through this filter for further processing.
 *Processing and interpretation:- The filtered information moves
forward for further processing , allowing for deeper cognitive
evaluation and interpretation . Information that doesn’t pass through
the filter is not processed at a consious level ,effectively ignores
 *Response stage :- once processed , the brain can Can generate
response to relevant stimuli based on the information that has passed
through the filter.
 Broadbent filter model explains selective attention in situations like
the “cocktail party effect,”
 Where a person can focus on an conversation in a noisy environment
by filtering out other conversation based on physical attributes , such
as the location or tone of the speaker ‘s voice .
 However , it has been criticized for being too rigid ,as later studies
showed that people can sometimes attend to information that initially
appears irrelevant
 Like hearing ones name in another conversation
Examples of filter theory

 Listening to One Conversation in a Noisy Environment: At a party or a busy

restaurant, you’re surrounded by multiple conversations, clinking glasses, and
background music. Despite this, you’re able to focus on the voice of the
person you’re talking to by filtering out other sounds based on physical
characteristics like pitch or direction. This is a classic example of the
“cocktail party effect,” where your brain filters out irrelevant noise to
concentrate on what matters to you.
 Driving a Car: When driving, you’re exposed to a lot of sensory input—passing
cars, billboards, pedestrians, and other distractions. Your brain filters out
non-essential information, like the color of the passing buildings, and focuses
on important stimuli, such as traffic lights, road signs, and other vehicles.
This selective attention allows you to drive safely by focusing on relevant
cues.
 Hearing Your Name in a Crowd: Even if you’re not paying attention to nearby
conversations, you might hear your name mentioned by someone across the
room, and it immediately captures your attention. This exception in selective
attention suggests that certain personally relevant stimuli can bypass the
usual filtering process.

 In all these scenarios, selective attention helps us navigate complex

environments by filtering out unimportant information, allowing us to
focus on what matters most at any given moment.
Attenuation theory of attention

 The attenuation theory of attention, proposed by psychologist Anne Treisman

in 1964, is a modification of the original filter theory of attention. Treisman’s
attenuation theory suggests that instead of completely filtering out
unattended information, the brain “attenuates” or weakens irrelevant
stimuli, allowing some unattended information to be processed to a limited
degree. This model helps explain how certain information, even when not the
primary focus, can still capture our attention under specific conditions.
Key components of Attenuation theory

 Key Components of Attenuation Theory

 Attenuating Filter:
 Unlike Broadbent’s filter model, which posited that unattended information is completely
blocked, Treisman proposed that unattended information is weakened or “attenuated” rather
than eliminated.
 The attenuating filter allows information in the unattended channels to pass through, but at
a reduced strength. Only the most relevant or important unattended information might be
strong enough to be consciously processed.
 Hierarchical Processing:
 Treisman suggested that information is processed hierarchically, starting with basic physical
properties (like tone or loudness) and moving to more complex properties (like meaning).
 As information passes through the attenuating filter, stimuli with significant meaning or
relevance—such as familiar words or emotionally charged content—are more likely to break
through and reach conscious awareness.
 Thresholds for Awareness:
 Attenuation theory introduces the idea of thresholds: certain words or stimuli
have a lower threshold, meaning they are more likely to be noticed even at
low levels of attention.
 For example, your name has a low threshold, which is why it can grab your
attention even if you’re focused elsewhere, like in the “cocktail party
effect.”
Understanding attenuation theory

 Attenuation theory provided a more flexible model of attention compared to

Broadbent’s all-or-nothing filter. It accounts for how some unattended
information can “leak” into conscious awareness, especially if it is highly
relevant or meaningful. Treisman’s work laid the foundation for modern
research on selective attention, influencing later models that incorporate
both early and late selection mechanisms based on the task’s demands and
cognitive resources available.


 This model is widely accepted today as a plausible explanation for how

selective attention works, helping clarify the complexity of attention and
perception in real-world settings.
Here are few examples that illustrate the
attenuation theory of selective attention

1) Listening to Music While Working:

Suppose you’re working on a task and listening to
background music. You’re not actively focusing on the lyrics,
so the music is attenuated in your attention. However, if a
particularly loud or familiar song plays, or if certain lyrics
stand out, your attention might shift momentarily to the
music. This shows how relevant or distinct information can
break through even if it’s not your main focus
Example -:
 2).Background Announcements in a Train Station:
 Imagine you’re waiting for your train, distracted by reading a book or using
your phone. General announcements about unrelated trains may go unnoticed
as they’re attenuated in your attention. But when the announcement
mentions your train’s platform, your attention shifts to it. This is because
information relevant to you (like your train) can get through the attenuated
filter and reach your awareness.
 3).Cooking with the TV On:
 While preparing a meal with the TV on in the background, you may not be
paying close attention to the show. However, if a character on TV shouts
loudly or there’s a sudden sound change, your attention may briefly shift to
the TV. This change in volume or tone can break through your attenuated
filter because it’s distinct and grabs attention.
Multimode theory

 The multimode theory of attention, proposed by Johnston and Heinz in 1978,

suggests that attention is a flexible process that can operate at different
stages of information processing, allowing us to shift between early and late
selection based on the demands of the task. Unlike previous theories, which
were more rigid in where the “filter” operates, multimode theory proposes
that attention can be directed to filter information based on both physical
characteristics (early selection) and meaning (late selection), depending on
what the task requires and the available cognitive resources.
 Overview: Johnston and Heinz’s multimode theory suggests that attention is
flexible and can operate at different stages—either early or late—depending
on the task’s requirements and the cognitive resources available. This allows
attention to be allocated based on both physical characteristics and semantic
meaning, adjusting according to the demands of the situation.
Key concept

 1).Flexible filter—attention can occur at either early or late stages of

processing depending on the task, making the filter adaptable.
 2).Selection Stage: Early or late selection—people can switch between early
selection (focusing on physical characteristics) and late selection (focusing on
meaning) depending on the cognitive load and task requirements.
 Advantages: Explains how we can selectively attend to information based on
physical attributes when resources are limited, but also process meaning
when we have more cognitive capacity. Offers flexibility to switch attention
modes based on the situation.
Examples of multimode theory

 *Playing a Video Game with Music On

 While playing a video game with background music, you may initially use
early selection, focusing on the game visuals and sounds related to gameplay,
while the music fades into the background.
 If the music has lyrics that are interesting or relevant, you might switch to
late selection, processing the lyrics along with the game’s visuals, especially
if you can balance both without compromising performance.
 *If you’re watching a show with a friend, you might use late selection to
enjoy both the conversation and the show simultaneously.
 However, if the conversation becomes more engaging or personal, you may
switch to early selection to block out the TV entirely, concentrating on your
friend without processing the show’s content.
 Cooking Dinner with Family Talking in the Background
 While cooking, you might use early selection to focus on the sounds of the
kitchen (like boiling water or the oven timer) and attenuate your family’s
conversation in the background.
 However, if someone in the background mentions something relevant to you
(like dinner plans or a reminder about an ingredient), you might switch to
late selection and pay attention to the details of their conversation to
understand its meaning.
 These examples show how multimode theory explains our ability to adjust
attentional filtering depending on task requirements. In situations where we
need to conserve cognitive resources, we rely on early selection (focusing on
physical characteristics), and when more cognitive resources are available or
the task requires deeper understanding, we shift to late selection (processing
meaning). This flexible approach allows us to optimize attention based on
context and demands.
Theory Key concept Selection stages Processing of
unattended
information
Filter theory Rigid ,all-or- Early selection Blocked out
nothing filter completely
Attenuation theory Flexible , Primarily early Weakened but still
attenuating filter partially processed
Multimode theory Flexible adaptable Early or late Varies based on
filter (depends on task) task and resource
demand
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