What does it mean when we hear what we want to hear or see what we want to see?

The correct response relates to the concept of a perceptual filter, which refers to the ways in which individuals perceive information and experiences through the lens of their own beliefs, experiences, and expectations. This filtering process can significantly influence how information is processed and interpreted. When someone hears what they want to hear or sees what they want to see, it is typically because their existing perceptions and biases shape their understanding of reality.

This notion is influenced by various factors, including past experiences, cultural background, and emotional state, which together create a filter that can distort or emphasize certain aspects of the environment while minimizing or disregarding others. For instance, someone might overlook negative feedback because they want to maintain a positive self-image, thus filtering out information that contradicts their desires.

In contrast, selective attention highlights how individuals focus on certain stimuli while ignoring others, but it does not fully encompass the broader interpretative biases at play. Cognitive bias refers to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, whereas emotional reasoning involves interpreting and processing information based on emotional experiences. While these concepts are related, they do not specifically address the overarching idea of how perceptual filters shape the way we see and hear the world around us.