Sensory Sensitivity: Should We Consider Attention in Addition to Prediction?

Ward (this issue) proposes a signal detection framework to explore sensory sensitivity across different conditions and links it to the predictive coding theory. More generally, however, perception is determined not only by sensory input and by prediction or prior knowledge, but also by behavioral relevance. We argue that selective attention, the process that allows us to prioritize the processing of behaviorally relevant over irrelevant information, should be taken into account when considering individual differences in sensory sensitivity.