Final answer:
The selective attention factor that refers to the notion that we tend to notice events that are important to us is expectancy. Our expectancies guide our attention toward behaviors that match our personal interests and goals, influencing our tendency to imitate certain behaviors, a concept intertwined with observational learning and self-efficacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The selective attention factor that refers to the fact that events that are relevant to us tend to capture our attention is expectancy. This concept suggests that we are more likely to notice things that we anticipate or deem important based on our personal goals, interests, and experiences. For instance, if a person deems the act of receiving attention through boasting as positive, they are more inclined to notice and imitate such a behavior if they observe a model being reinforced for it. This is because our expectancies influence what we pay attention to in the environment, subsequently affecting the behaviors we choose to imitate and learn from. Conversely, if boasting is viewed negatively or if heightened attention is perceived as scrutinizing, that person may avoid emulating those behaviors. This idea is related to principles of observational learning and the cognitive concept of self-efficacy, as it involves both a person's beliefs about their capabilities and the selective engagement with behaviors based on personal relevance.