In psychology, what term is used to describe irrelevant stimuli that competes for attention?

The correct term that describes irrelevant stimuli competing for attention is "noise." In psychology, noise refers to any extraneous information or stimuli that can disrupt one's focus, making it more challenging to concentrate on the task at hand. This concept is widely applicable in various contexts, from auditory distractions in an environment to visual stimuli that divert attention away from the primary focus.

Understanding "noise" encompasses both literal and metaphorical interpretations. Literally, it can refer to sounds that interfere with communication or comprehension, while metaphorically, it may apply to distractions that hinder cognitive processing, such as unsolicited thoughts or irrelevant information encountered during learning or working.

While "distraction," "interference," and "clutter" also describe aspects of attention challenges, they have different nuances. Distraction often implies an active shift of focus away from a task due to external or internal cues. Interference generally refers to the effect of competing information on the retrieval of memories or skills, and clutter can denote a state of being overwhelmed by too much information or multiple stimuli. In this context of competing for attention, "noise" is the most precise term to encapsulate the general idea of irrelevant stimuli impacting focus.