Divided attention and visual search for simple versus complex features
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Measuring Attention and Visual Processing Speed by Model-based Analysis of Temporal-order Judgments
Published on: January 23, 2017
Elizabeth Thorpe Davis1, Terry Shikano, Scott A Peterson
1Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Psychology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0170, USA. ed15@prism.gatech.edu
Abstract:
Under what search conditions does attention affect perceptual processes, resulting in capacity limitations, rather than affecting noisy decision-making processes? Does parallel or serial processing cause the capacity limitations? To address these issues, we varied stimulus complexity, set size, and whether distractors were mirror images of the target. Both target detection and localization produced similar patterns of results. Capacity limitations only occurred for complex stimuli used in within-object conjunction searches. Parallel processing, rather than serial processing, probably caused these capacity limitations. Moreover, although mirror-image symmetry adversely affected early visual processing, it did not place additional demands on attention.
Related Concept Videos
Parallel Processing
Depth Perception and Spatial Vision
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Gestalt Principles of Perception
Vision

