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Inhibitory component of externally controlled covert orienting in visual space
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Externally controlled orienting causes an inhibitory effect, slowing responses to stimuli at previously attended locations. This inhibition is crucial for efficient spatial sampling by attention and eye movement systems.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Attention
Background:
- Externally cued orienting influences visual attention and response times.
- Previous research identified facilitatory effects of orienting, but inhibitory aspects require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of an inhibitory effect linked to externally controlled orienting.
- To differentiate this inhibitory effect from alternative explanations like response inhibition or sensory habituation.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments were conducted to examine the inhibitory effect.
- Stimuli were presented in the visual periphery and fovea, with varying temporal and spatial parameters.
Main Results:
- An inability to respond quickly to stimuli at previously attended locations was observed.
- The inhibitory effect was independent of response requirements, lasted over a second, and affected adjacent locations.
- The effect was determined by environmental coordinates and occurred in both peripheral and foveal vision.
Conclusions:
- The findings support an inhibitory component of orienting that works with a facilitatory component.
- This dual mechanism aids in directing attention and eye movements for efficient spatial sampling.