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Related Experiment Videos

The role of spatial attention in visual word processing.

R S McCann1, C L Folk, J C Johnston

  • 1Sterling Software, Palo Alto, California.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|November 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

This study shows that spatial attention affects word processing regardless of familiarity. Early-selection models best explain how attention influences lexical decisions, challenging late-selection theories.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Psycholinguistics

Background:

  • Spatial attention influences visual processing speed.
  • The role of attention in lexical access remains debated, particularly concerning word familiarity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of spatial attention on lexical decision tasks.
  • To determine if attentional effects differ based on word frequency or lexical status.
  • To evaluate the compatibility of findings with early- versus late-selection models of attention.

Main Methods:

  • Lexical decision tasks were conducted with letter strings presented at varying locations.
  • Spatial cuing paradigms were employed to direct attention.
  • Irrelevant stimuli were introduced to probe spatial filtering effects.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Response times were analyzed for effects of target location validity, word frequency, and lexical status.

    • Main Results:

    • Valid spatial cues significantly improved response times compared to invalid cues.
    • Irrelevant flanking stimuli slowed response times, indicating a spatial filtering effect.
    • Attentional effects (cuing and filtering) were additive with word frequency and lexical status effects.
    • Findings were inconsistent with theories suggesting reduced attentional involvement for familiar words.

    Conclusions:

    • Spatial attention mechanisms operate similarly across words of varying familiarity and frequency.
    • The results strongly support early-selection models of attention in lexical processing.
    • Late-selection models face significant challenges in explaining the observed additive effects.