Random visual noise impairs object-based attention.
Object-based visual attention is observed when the benefit of attending to one element in a display extends to other elements that are part of the same perceptual object. Apperceptive agnosia is an object identification deficit in which spatial attention is preserved but object-based attention is impaired. Some debate exists regarding the extent to which the object-based impairment can be attributed to perceptual mechanisms that are specifically involved in grouping and segmentation of a scene, as opposed to early sensory processes. In the present paper we show that random visual noise is sufficient to eliminate the object benefit, a result inconsistent with the view that grouping mechanisms are responsible for the effect. The results have implications for an understanding of apperceptive agnosia, and for an understanding of object-based attention more generally.
Abrams
Richard A
RA
Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. rabrams@artsci.wustl.edu
Law
Mark B
MB
D000328:Adult; D000377:Agnosia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016477:Artifacts; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D003463:Cues; D006801:Humans; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology