Final answer:
Selective attention is our ability to be aware of some parts of our environment while ignoring others. It plays a crucial role in determining our perception of the world around us.
Step-by-step explanation:
Selective attention is our ability to be aware of some parts of our environment while ignoring other parts. This concept was demonstrated in studies where participants focused on counting the number of times basketballs were passed, but failed to notice a person dressed in a gorilla costume walking through the scene. Inattentional blindness and the two-track mind are related concepts that also contribute to our limited awareness of our environment. Overall, selective attention plays a crucial role in determining our perception of the world around us.