Final answer:
Automatic processes are tasks performed without conscious thought, allowing for divided attention on multiple activities, such as driving while talking. This contrasts with effortful processing, where new skills require focused attention until they become automatic through repetition and familiarity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Automatic processes allow divided attention" refers to the brain's capability to perform tasks without conscious thought, enabling individuals to focus on multiple activities at once. For example, once you learn to drive, it becomes an automatic process. This allows you to drive while simultaneously carrying on a conversation with a passenger—your attention is divided between the two tasks without significant compromise. Similarly, experienced workers on an assembly line can perform their tasks efficiently without conscious effort because these have become automated through repetition, exemplifying the division of labor and automation in practice.
In contrast, when learning a new and complex skill, an increased amount of attention and cognitive resources are required, which is effortful processing. During this, automatic processes are not as likely to take place, as most of our attention is directed towards learning the new skill. However, once the skill is mastered and becomes automated through repetition and familiarity, it can join other automatic processes, enabling the person to divide their attention among multiple tasks effectively.