The cocktail party effect is a phenomenon in which an individual is able to focus their attention on a particular conversation at hand despite being in a large group of people. However, if this individual happens to hear their name being spoken at this event, they will be able to recognize and turn their attention to that individual. I believe this effect is prevalent in every day life as it pertains to each of us. I know that this instance has happened to me before at a particular event, in which I was able to turn my attention to where I heard my name come from. This phenomenon directly correlates with selective attention; which is your ability to focus on some sensory inputs by tuning out others.