In the late-selection model of selective attention:

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Question: In the late-selection model of selective attention:

Option 1: 'Material on an unattended channel activates long term memory more weakly than material on an attended channel.' This option claims a difference in LTM activation strength based on attention. In late-selection theories, unattended information is processed semantically but the claim that it activates long-term memory more weakly specifically due to attention status is not the core distinguishing feature. The key point of late selection is the stage at which selection occurs (after meaning is processed) rather than the relative strength of LTM activation between attended and unattended streams. This answer is therefore incomplete and somewhat misleading about the core mechanism.

Option 2: 'The gross sensory features of the material on the unattended channel are filtered out, but its semantic content activates long term memory.' Here, the statement separates early sensory filtering (gross features) from semantic activation in long-term memory. Late-selection theories do posit that semantic processing can occur for unattended stimuli, but the phrasing that sensory features are filtered out while semantic content activates LTM resembles an intermediate or mixed view rather than the strict late-selection position. It misstates the typical sequence by implying a complete early filtering of perceptual features prior to semantic processing, which clashes with the idea that meaning processing can occur for unattended input.

Option 3: 'Material on an unattended channel is filtered out before it reaches long term memory.' This describes an early-selection view: filtering occurs before any processing reaches long-term memory. Late-selection, in contrast, allows semantic processing of unattended input before any filter prevents conscious report. Therefore this option contradicts the late-selection model and is incorrect for describing late selection.

Option 4: 'Material on an unattended channel is filtered out after activating long term memory but before it becomes available for conscious report.' This statement aligns with late-selection concepts: unattended stimuli can undergo semantic processing and even activate long-term memory representations, but the information does not reach conscious report or awareness. The final filter occurs after memory activation, preventing conscious report despite prior semantic processing. This captures the essence of late-selection theory, distinguishing it from early selection and from models that place the final bottleneck at an earlier stage.

In summary, Option 1 misstates the core mechanism by focusing on differential LTM activation without naming the processing stage; Option 2 suggests a hybrid sequence that doesn’t accurately reflect the late-selection emphasis on semantic processing prior to conscious access; Option 3 describes early filtering before memory processing, contradicting late-selection; Option 4 correctly describes the late-selection cascade where unattended input can be semantically processed and even activate memory representations, but is ultimately not reportable consciously. The nuanced distinction hinges on where selection occurs relative to memory activation and conscious report, and Option 4 best captures that sequence.

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In the late-selection model of selective attention:

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