Effect of object onset on the distribution of visual attention

Cole, G.G.; Gellatly, A.R.H.; Blurton, A.

Abstract

There now exists considerable evidence to suggest that the appearance of a new object in the visual field captures visual attention. One of the consequences of this attentional capture is that the object initiates a redistribution of attentional resources across visual space. This is classically observed in the precuing paradigm in which the onset of an abrupt cue influences the processing of a subsequently presented target. The present research describes a new phenomenon that occurs as a result of a new object appearing in the visual field. A stimulus presented in a region of space adjacent to a corner of an onsetting object receives an enhancement of processing relative to a stimulus presented adjacent to one of the object's straight edges. With the use of 2 converging methods, evidence is presented that suggests that the effect is a higher order attentional phenomenon whereby greater resources become directed to the corners of objects.

Citation

Cole, G., Gellatly, A., & Blurton, A. (2001). Effect of object onset on the distribution of visual attention. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 27(6), 1356-1368. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.27.6.1356

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2001
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2009
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance
• Print ISSN: 0096-1523
• Electronic ISSN: 1939-1277
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1356-1368
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.27.6.1356
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1566734
• Publisher URL: http://content.apa.org/journals/xhp/27/6/1356