Mary Nabholz travels the same way to work every day. She notices advertisements in store windows when the ads first go up. However, after a few days, Mary no longer pays any attention to these ads because they have become familiar. Which of the following personal selection factors is affecting Mary Nabholz's response to the ads?
A) perceptual vigilance
B) perceptual defense
C) contrast
D) adaptation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mary Nabholz's response to the ads is affected by adaptation, which refers to the tendency of people to pay less attention to stimuli that have become familiar or repetitive over time. This is why Mary no longer pays attention to the ads after a few days. Perceptual vigilance refers to the tendency of people to pay attention to stimuli that are relevant or important to them, while perceptual defense refers to the tendency of people to block out stimuli that are threatening or offensive. Contrast refers to the extent to which a stimulus stands out from its surroundings, which is not relevant to Mary's situation.

Mary Nabholz Travels the Same Way to Work Every Day