Which process minimizes distractions by decreasing sensitivity to a constant stimulus?

The correct answer is sensory adaptation. This process refers to the way our sensory receptors become less sensitive to constant or unchanging stimuli over time. For example, when you enter a dimly lit room, your eyes initially struggle to see, but after a few moments, they adjust, allowing you to perceive your surroundings better. This phenomenon occurs across various senses, such as smell, hearing, and touch, effectively minimizing distractions from stimuli that remain constant. This adaptation allows individuals to focus on new or changing stimuli, which can be more critical for survival and awareness in their environment.

Attention, while related to focusing on specific stimuli, does not inherently involve a decrease in sensitivity to constant stimuli. Sensory integration refers to the process of combining different sensory inputs into a coherent picture, and cognitive dissonance relates to psychological discomfort that arises from conflicting beliefs or behaviors, which is unrelated to sensory processes.