How does Broadbent's model of attention explain the traveler's ability to focus on the concierge's lunch recommendations?

Broadbent's model of attention posits that individuals have a limited capacity for processing information and utilize a filtering mechanism to prioritize certain stimuli over others. In the context of the traveler focusing on the concierge's lunch recommendations despite the distracting noise in the lobby, filtering serves as a critical function.

The model suggests that sensory information is first processed in a preliminary stage, where it is briefly held in a sensory register. Only the most pertinent information—as determined by the filter—is passed on for further processing. In this scenario, the traveler is filtering out background noise and distractions in order to concentrate on the specific auditory input related to the lunch recommendations being made by the concierge. This allows for enhanced comprehension and retention of the relevant information despite competing stimuli.

Thus, the emphasis on filtering highlights how attention is selectively directed, enabling the traveler to prioritize the concierge's suggestions above the cacophony of the surrounding environment.