Which cognitive process refers to the ability to manage and select attention to stimuli?

The cognitive process that refers to the ability to manage and select attention to stimuli is attention. This process is critical for focusing on specific information while filtering out distractions, allowing individuals to engage meaningfully with their environment. Attention encompasses various aspects, including selective attention, sustained attention, and divided attention.

In the context of cognitive functioning, attention acts as a foundational capability. It enables individuals to prioritize certain stimuli over others, which is essential for effective learning and information processing. This ability impacts how we interact with the world and can influence memory and executive functioning, but it is distinctly its own process.

While memory relates to the retention and recall of information, and executive functioning encompasses a broader set of skills necessary for goal-directed behavior, including decision-making and problem-solving, the specific focus on selecting and managing attention is the hallmark of the attention process. Language processing pertains to the understanding and production of language and does not directly address the selective nature of attention.