What do we call the tendency to focus selectively on certain information to form impressions of others?

The term that describes the tendency to focus selectively on certain information to form impressions of others is audience selectivity. This concept is rooted in social psychology, where individuals often prioritize specific details they find most relevant or salient when evaluating others. For example, someone may pay particular attention to a person's appearance or a single notable behavior while disregarding other aspects, leading to a potentially biased impression.

Audience selectivity is critical in shaping opinions and judgments, as it can influence one's understanding of social dynamics and interpersonal relationships. It reflects the cognitive bias of filtering information based on personal experiences, preferences, and motivations, which can further affect how communication and perceptions are developed within social contexts. Being aware of audience selectivity can enhance clarity in communication and foster a more comprehensive understanding of others by encouraging individuals to consider a wider range of information.

The other terms do not directly describe this selective focus on information for forming impressions. Personal constructs refer to the mental frameworks we use to make sense of the world, while the Hawthorne effect relates to changes in behavior when people know they are being observed. Audience extraction is not a commonly recognized term in this context.