If someone is expecting a phone call, how might this affect their perception of hearing it ring?

When someone is expecting a phone call, their cognitive state and attentional focus can significantly enhance their perceptual sensitivity to relevant stimuli, like the sound of a phone ringing. This phenomenon can be explained through the concept of selective attention, where individuals become more attuned to certain types of sensory information that are relevant to their current mental state or expectations.

In this case, the expectation of a phone call heightens the person's awareness and readiness to respond to the sound of a ringing phone. They may be more likely to notice subtle auditory cues related to the call, even if these sounds are not particularly loud or distinct. Additionally, the anticipation can prime their auditory processing, allowing them to distinguish the ring from background noise more easily.

This enhanced capacity to notice the ring demonstrates how our expectations and mental states can actively shape and influence perception. Individuals who are not expecting a phone call might not be as attentive to similar noises, leading to a reduced likelihood of noticing the sound. Thus, the anticipation of a phone call acts as a filter that amplifies the person's sensitivity to that specific sound.