Two components in IOR: evidence for response bias and perceptual processing delays using the SAT methodology

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Visual attention

Background:

• Inhibition of return (IOR) is a phenomenon where reaction times (RTs) are slower for targets at previously attended locations.
• Understanding the underlying mechanisms of IOR is crucial for cognitive science and human-computer interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of IOR on both perceptual processing and response strategies.
• To differentiate between criterion shifts and processing speed delays in IOR using the speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) procedure.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) procedure to measure sensitivity and processing speed.
• Presented targets at cued and uncued locations under varying presentation durations.
• Analyzed reaction times and accuracy to assess response bias and information accumulation.

Main Results:

• IOR was associated with both delayed processing speed and shifts in response criterion.
• Brief target presentation supported a criterion shift account of IOR.
• Extended target presentation revealed both response bias and increased information accumulation time.

Conclusions:

• IOR is a complex phenomenon influenced by both response bias and perceptual processing.
• A hybrid model is proposed to explain the multifaceted nature of IOR.
• Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of visual attention and response inhibition mechanisms.