Understanding the 'Cocktail Party Effect'

Melinda Beck on Lunch Break looks at the "cocktail party effect," in which people are able to focus on one conversation while being aware of conversations going on around them. Researchers say we can train our brains to maximize this kind of awareness.
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[@DodderingOldMan]

Interesting stuff. I've always felt as though I was really bad at picking out one particular conversation amongst others in the background, or indeed any sound from other sounds. But I also feel as though this enhances my enjoyment of music, as I hear it as a coherent whole. That's how it seems to me, anyway.

[@quinn6014]

Same

[@canadiandev9076]

I actually have really struggled with this my whole life. I can't have a conversation at any bar, sporting event, etc. I really wish I could.

[@koahzvika]

If you are Autistic, or on the spectrum (ie. Asperger's Syndrome), chances are that you don't have the ability to hone in on one conversation. The outcome for such people is total disorientation.

[@o0GrayMatters0o]

interesting, is that really true?

[@logangomez4475]

This is the reason why I think I have Asperger's Syndrome but I haven't been tested. If I hear too many people talking, I start to hear chickens clucking and I have to leave fast because it's so overwhelming. It almost seems that they're doing it on purpose.

[@hypapowah]

@@o0GrayMatters0o yes, people with asperger really have trouble being in a crowded place cause of this

[@sirenia1241]

Or even ADHD

[@PolarSky]

Yeah, same with ADHD. It actually makes me feel dizzy listening to it haha. Too much stimulus!

[@cattycattitude]

yep that's true~

[@thebesegooa1452]

Can the 'Cocktail Party Problem' in overcrowded classrooms be solved?

[@oliviadawn9002]

Heck, I can’t even THINK DEEPLY on a subject while driving, otherwise I’m three miles down the road like “how did I get here”

[@VivekSingh_ias]

i don't think u've ever driven anything in your life..

[@oliviadawn9002]

@@VivekSingh_ias hmmm wrong

[@VivekSingh_ias]

@@oliviadawn9002 u just 16 kid

[@oliviadawn9002]

@@VivekSingh_ias hmmm wrong

[@VivekSingh_ias]

@@oliviadawn9002 ok 16.5 with your updated dp, hmmm

[@johneygd]

What would they wanna say with this, that on an day a computer needs to be able to focus on 1 typicall sound in an noisy environment??
Well anno 2018 it now already happens.

[@kballs94]

That's how captions are generated on youtube, and they've been around for a long while way before 2018

[@viewofthedragonfly3969]

not that you're at a cocktail party. do you want to be

[@davidbrooks2733]

I came here looking for bass

[@OfficialOddOneOut]

I don't have any of them and I am one of that 2% :| lol

[@mastermax7777]

"Undertstanding" ....