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Inhibition of return to an occluded object depends on expectation
Lisa N Jefferies1, Richard D Wright, Vincent Di Lollo
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. ljefferies@psych.ubc.ca
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|December 22, 2005
Summary
Observer expectation determines if inhibition of return (IOR) occurs when a moving object is occluded. IOR only happens if the object is expected to continue existing, highlighting object continuity and expectation in visual attention.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Visual Attention
- Perception
Background:
- Inhibition of return (IOR) is characterized by slower reaction times to stimuli at previously attended locations.
- Previous research presents conflicting findings on whether IOR occurs with occluded moving objects.
- The role of observer expectation in IOR, particularly with occluded objects, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of observer expectation on inhibition of return (IOR) during object occlusion.
- To determine if observer expectation regarding object continuity affects IOR.
- To clarify the factors mediating both location-based and object-based IOR.
Main Methods:
- Conducted four experiments manipulating object occlusion and observer expectations.
- Measured reaction times to targets presented at previously attended locations.
- Varied whether participants expected occluded objects to continue existing.
Main Results:
- Inhibition of return (IOR) was observed only when participants expected the occluded moving object to continue its existence.
- When objects were not occluded, IOR occurred only if the object remained visible just before target presentation.
- Observer expectation significantly determined the presence of IOR during occlusion.
Conclusions:
- Observer expectation is a critical factor influencing inhibition of return (IOR) with occluded moving objects.
- Object continuity, mediated by observer expectation, plays a key role in both location- and object-based IOR.
- Findings resolve inconsistencies in prior research regarding IOR and occluded moving objects.