Effect of emotional valence on detection of change

Two experiments were designed to explore the role of emotion in detection of change using the flicker task. In Experiment 1, the emotional valence of scenes was manipulated, and reaction time to detect change in an altered scene was measured. In Experiment 2, both emotional valence and area of change were manipulated. In each experiment, emotional valence affected detection of change, but with a somewhat different pattern of results. Findings indicate a need for further examination of the role of emotional valence in detection of change.