What is selective attention and what are its advantages?

Selective attention is the cognitive process of focusing on a specific stimulus or task while ignoring other distractions in the environment. This ability allows individuals to efficiently process relevant information, enhancing learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. The advantages of selective attention include improved concentration, better performance in tasks that require focus, and the ability to filter out irrelevant stimuli, which can reduce cognitive overload and enhance overall productivity.