Anne Treisman's Attenuation Model of Selective Attention

Overview

Anne Treisman's Attenuation Model, proposed in 1964, offers a nuanced perspective on selective attention. Unlike earlier models that suggested unattended information is entirely filtered out, Treisman's theory posits that such information is attenuated—meaning it's weakened but not completely excluded from processing. This model accounts for instances where unattended stimuli, especially those of personal significance like one's name, are still perceived.

Key Components

Attenuation Mechanism

Treisman proposed that the attentional filter doesn't entirely block unattended information but reduces its strength. This attenuation allows for the processing of multiple inputs, with attended messages receiving full processing and unattended ones being dampened yet still accessible.

Hierarchical Analyzers

After attenuation, information passes through hierarchical analyzers that process inputs from basic physical features to complex semantic content. Attended information undergoes thorough analysis, while unattended information is processed only if it meets certain criteria, such as having a low recognition threshold.

Recognition Thresholds

Each word or stimulus has a recognition threshold determining its likelihood of perception. Words of personal importance or those primed by context have lower thresholds, making them more likely to be perceived even when attenuated. For instance, hearing one's name in an unattended conversation can capture attention due to its low threshold.

Implications and Applications

Treisman's model bridges early and late selection theories of attention, suggesting that while some unattended information is weakened, it can still be processed based on its significance and context. This perspective has influenced various fields, including cognitive psychology and neuroscience, by providing insights into how we filter and process information in complex environments.