The generality of outside-in processing routines in the analysis of form

In a previous study, Earhard and Walker (1985) showed that outer details of forms were more accurately reported than inner details. Although they suggested that this pattern might reflect a routinely applied outside-in processing strategy, their ability to generalize was limited by a reliance on small, single forms which occupied a fixed position in the visual field. To provide a more adequate assessment of generality of outside-in processing, a series of five experiments examined the discriminability of inner- and outer-line detail under a wide variety of conditions. Support for a general outside-in processing routine was obtained. More accurate reporting of outer detail was evident with large as well as small forms, with long and short exposure durations, and with trial-by-trial variations in the size and orientation of forms. Outer lines were also reported more accurately when a number of forms were presented simultaneously for inspection and under circumstances where error rates were low and reaction time procedures were employed. Evidence was presented to support the view that the more accurate discrimination of outer detail reflected the deployment of an attentional strategy.