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The dynamics of saliency-driven and goal-driven visual selection as a function of eccentricity
Elle van Heusden1,2, Mieke Donk1,3, Christian N L Olivers1,4
1Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Journal of Vision
|March 2, 2021
Summary
Eccentricity impacts visual selection timing. Saliency effects become longer, and goal-driven effects are delayed at farther eccentricities, influencing visual selection models.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Visual selection is guided by both stimulus saliency and task goals.
- Saliency-driven selection is typically fast, while goal-driven selection is slower.
- The influence of eccentricity on these selection dynamics is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how visual eccentricity affects the time course of saliency-driven and goal-driven visual selection.
- To determine if the interplay between saliency, goals, and eccentricity influences visual selection dynamics.
- To explore the role of expectations in modulating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments involving speeded eye movements towards a target singleton.
- Manipulating target and non-target singleton saliency.
- Presenting stimuli at near, middle, and far eccentricities.
- Analyzing the time courses of saliency-driven and goal-driven selection.
Main Results:
- Eccentricity had minimal impact on overall selection performance.
- Saliency effects became protracted, and goal-driven (relevance) effects were delayed at far eccentricities.
- Expectations from previous trials modulated the protracted saliency effect.
Conclusions:
- Visual selection is a complex process influenced by time, eccentricity, and task goals.
- Eccentricity significantly alters the temporal dynamics of both saliency-driven and goal-driven visual selection.
- Future models of visual selection must account for the time-varying effects of eccentricity.
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