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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
Published on: November 2, 2012
Target objects defined by a conjunction of colour and shape can be selected independently and in parallel
Michael Jenkins1, Anna Grubert2, Martin Eimer3
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK. mjenki02@mail.bbk.ac.uk.
Attention can be allocated in parallel to multiple targets defined by feature conjunctions, challenging sequential search assumptions. Early visual processing is independent for color and shape, with conjunction sensitivity emerging later.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visual Attention Research
Background:
- Sequential attention allocation is the assumed mechanism for feature conjunction search.
- The N2pc component is a reliable electrophysiological marker of attentional processing biases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time course of attentional processing during feature conjunction search.
- To test the hypothesis of sequential versus parallel attention allocation to multiple targets.
Main Methods:
- Utilized event-related potentials (ERPs), specifically the N2pc component, to track attentional biases.
- Employed rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) tasks with varying stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA).
- Designed experiments with targets defined by color/shape conjunctions and feature-matching distractors.
Main Results:
- N2pc components for two targets overlapped in time at short SOAs, indicating parallel attentional allocation.
- Early attentional selection (before 230 ms) was guided independently by color and shape feature templates.
- Later attentional selection showed superadditive N2pc effects, reflecting sensitivity to feature conjunctions.
Conclusions:
- Independent attentional selection processes can be activated in parallel by multiple targets defined by feature conjunctions.
- Visual attention operates with both parallel feature processing and later conjunction-sensitive selection mechanisms.
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