Final answer:
The term or concept described by the statement 'Ability to process information' is 'attention'. Attention is the cognitive process that allows us to focus selectively on certain stimuli or tasks and is crucial for various mental activities. It can be demonstrated through the Selective Attention Test which highlights our focused attention capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to process information is generally described by the concept of attention. Attention refers to the cognitive process that allows individuals to focus on specific stimuli or tasks while excluding others, which is a crucial skill for learning and performing tasks. To help illustrate this, consider the well-known Selective Attention Test developed by Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris, which demonstrates how our focused attention can cause us to miss other unexpected stimuli.
There are various types of attention, such as selective, where focus is applied to particular tasks or stimuli, and divided, which involves monitoring and responding to multiple tasks at once. Attention is vital as it underpins other cognitive processes, such as learning, memory, and perception. The allocation of mental resources to a task, noticing signals amid distractions, and maintaining focus over time are all aspects encompassed by attention.
Effective attention allocation can support better performance in tasks, and understanding how to design systems to support attention can improve efficiency and productivity. Therefore, when posed with a task requiring substantial attention, our brains prioritize the task by increasing blood flow to deliver more glucose and oxygen for enhanced mental activity.