Evidence for attentional processing in spatial localization.
Using a dual-task methodology, this study examined the involvement of selective attention in spatial localization. Thirty participants located a single, briefly presented, peripheral target stimulus, appearing in one of 50 positions on either side of a central fixation point, with or without the requirement to identify a simultaneously presented central distractor stimulus. Results revealed a robust interference effect in localization performance at short target durations that depended on the number of the to-be-identified distractor items. This outcome provides convergent support for the role of the attentional system in spatial localization.
Adam
Jos J
JJ
Department of Movement Sciences, University of Maastricht, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. jos.adam@bw.unimaas.nl
Davelaar
Eddy J
EJ
van der Gouw
Annoek
A
Willems
Paul
P
D001288:Attention; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D006801:Humans; D009949:Orientation; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time