Final answer:
The correct answer is c. Alarm effect. Parents quickly notice if their children start crying, even when engaged in conversation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is c. Alarm effect. The alarm effect refers to the phenomenon where parents quickly notice if their children start crying, even when engaged in conversation. This is because the sound of a crying child captures their attention and is considered important and attention-worthy.
In the given scenario, the parent's attention is automatically directed towards the crying child due to the sudden and potentially distressing nature of the sound, indicating a potential alarm or danger. This attentional capture can be seen as a bottom-up process where the environment influences attention.
For example, when you are sitting in a crowded restaurant, focusing on your conversation with friends, a loud crashing sound like breaking glass and clanging pans hitting the floor will likely capture your attention, regardless of your current engagement.