Final answer:
Yvonne's actions illustrate divided attention, which involves processing different information sources and performing multiple tasks simultaneously using mental resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yvonne is attempting to listen to a conversation from her friend while simultaneously being alert for an expected cell phone call. This example illustrates divided attention. Divided attention involves the ability to process different information sources and carry out multiple tasks at a time. It is a type of attention that requires the distribution of mental resources to successfully engage in more than one activity. Unlike selective attention, where focus is on one specific task or stimulus, divided attention demands monitoring and responding to more than one stimuli concurrently.
Studies in attention have shown that tasks involving vigilance and monitoring, such as in Yvonne's case, can strain our limited capacity to manage information. This is because recognizing signals in 'noise' and keeping up with ongoing activities divide our cognitive resources. Nevertheless, humans have a remarkable ability to adapt their level of attention to meet the demands of different situations, though there may be a compromise on the performance efficacy of these simultaneous tasks.