Reflexive shifts of covert attention operate in an egocentric coordinate frame

Covert shifts of attention have been shown to improve detection and discrimination thresholds for a range of visual stimuli. Although there is some evidence to suggest that the allocation of attention to a particular region of interest occurs in a retinotopic frame of reference, the importance of an allocentric, or object-based, framework has gained widespread empirical support. The current experiment investigates the nature of the spatial representation in which covert shifts of attention occur in response to a reflexive prime. Primes and targets were presented in four conditions designed to vary systematically the validity of the spatial relationship between the prime and target in egocentric or allocentric coordinate frameworks. A significant advantage, in terms of reaction time and correct identification, was found for targets located in positions previously primed in an egocentric (but not allocentric) framework whereas there was no advantage for locations primed in an allocentric (but not egocentric) framework. These results suggest that the allocation of covert spatial attention within an egocentric framework may be more important than previously thought.