Time course of attention effects with abrupt-onset and offset single- and multiple-element precues.
Large differences between the time course of attentional responsiveness to onset single-element precues (onset singles) and to onset multiple-element precues (onset multiples) have suggested differences in the way attention is controlled. In five experiments here, singles presented as offsets produced rapid attention buildup, attentional decay across longer precue-to-target delays, and attentional capture, as do onset singles, suggesting exogenous attentional control; both offset and onset multiples produced gradual onset of attentional effects without subsequent attentional decay, suggesting endogenous attentional control; and onset and offset singles produced higher accuracy than onset and offset multiples. Thus, the dynamic quality of a sudden onset is not sufficient explanation for the exogenous attentional control produced by a single-element peripheral precue.
Chastain
G
G
Department of Psychology, Boise State University, ID 83725, USA. gchasta@boisestate.edu
Cheal
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D005403:Fixation, Ocular; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011930:Reaction Time