What is primarily responsible for determining which sensed stimuli continue to perception?

The correct answer is attention because it is the cognitive process that determines which stimuli are prioritized for perception and conscious awareness among the multitude of sensory information we encounter. Attention acts as a filter, allowing certain stimuli to be processed in greater detail while others are disregarded or ignored. This selective focus enables individuals to respond effectively to relevant cues in their environment, whether they are environmental signals or internal thoughts.

Absolute threshold refers to the minimum level of stimulus intensity needed for detection, but it does not influence the selection of which stimuli are consciously perceived once they are detected. Difference threshold, on the other hand, pertains to the smallest difference between two stimuli that can be detected but is not directly related to the ongoing process of perception. Weber's Law describes the principle that the perceived change in a stimulus is proportional to the original magnitude of the stimulus, but it does not address which stimuli enter conscious awareness.

Thus, attention is fundamentally tied to perception as it governs our awareness and responsiveness to various stimuli in a complex sensory landscape.