New objects can capture attention without a unique luminance transient

Recent evidence has suggested that new objects capture attention solely because they are typically accompanied by a unique luminance transient. In the present study, we presented a stationary pattern mask after an array of placeholders but before a subsequent search display. This allowed all of the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychonomic bulletin & review 2007-04, Vol.14 (2), p.338-343
Main Authors: Davoli, Christopher C, Suszko, Jason W, Abrams, Richard A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attention
Fixation, Ocular
Humans
Light
Reaction Time
Studies
Visual Perception
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Summary:Recent evidence has suggested that new objects capture attention solely because they are typically accompanied by a unique luminance transient. In the present study, we presented a stationary pattern mask after an array of placeholders but before a subsequent search display. This allowed all of the search elements to be presented simultaneously, thereby eliminating the unique luminance transient associated with the appearance of any new objects. Under these circumstances, new objects still captured attention. In another experiment, we jiggled the mask. This caused new objects to lose their advantage. We discuss implications for the importance of new objects, and the attentional consequences of motion.
ISSN:1069-9384
1531-5320
DOI:10.3758/bf03194074