Effect of object onset on the distribution of visual attention

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

doi:10.1037/0096-1523.27.6.1356

Effect of object onset on the distribution of visual attention

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

Authors

G.G. Cole

A.R.H. Gellatly

A. Blurton

Contributors

David A. Rosenbaum
Editor

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
Publisher URL	http://content.apa.org/journals/xhp/27/6/1356