Parallel Search for a Conjunction of Shape and Contrast Polarity

Abstract

When a target object embedded in an array of other objects can be distinguished along a single feature dimension (e.g., colour or shape), it can be detected in parallel. When a target object is defined by a conjunction of stimulus features, search has to be conducted serially, indicating that the visual system is incapable of conducting a parallel search over two stimulus dimensions simultaneously. Earlier research has shown that there are two exceptions to this finding. one dimension can be searched in parallel if the other dimension is stereoscopic depth (Nakayama & Silverman, 1986), or relative motion (McLeod, Driver & Crisp, 1988). We report a third exception: if one dimension involves contrast polarity, another dimension (shape) can be searched in parallel. The neurophysiological implications are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA285344

Entities

People

  • F. L. Kooi
  • J. Theeuwes

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Classification
  • Color Vision
  • Computer Vision
  • Contrast
  • Neurosciences
  • Observers
  • Parallel Computing
  • Parallel Processing
  • Perception
  • Personal Computers
  • Polarity
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology
  • Reaction Time
  • Relative Motion
  • Visual Cortex
  • Visual Perception

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Theoretical Analysis.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.