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Object-based attention and occlusion: evidence from normal participants and a computational model
M Behrmann1, R S Zemel, M C Mozer
1Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, USA. behrmann+@cmu.edu
Summary
Object-based attention allows us to focus on individual objects within complex visual scenes. This study confirms that object-based attention enhances feature reporting for one object over multiple objects, even with occlusion.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Visual scenes are complex, requiring mechanisms to reduce perceptual load.
- Attention can be directed spatially or object-based.
- Object-based attention prioritizes processing of an object's features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the object-based attention mechanism.
- To confirm the predicted superiority of reporting features from one object versus multiple objects.
- To explore the robustness and limitations of object-based attention, including under occlusion.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of object-based attention.
- Behavioral experiments measuring feature report accuracy.
- Computational modeling to simulate and account for findings.
Main Results:
- Replication of the predicted superiority for reporting features from one object compared to two.
- Demonstration that object-based attention is robust under occlusion.
- Identification of boundary conditions affecting object-based attention operation.
Conclusions:
- Object-based attention is a key mechanism for organizing complex visual input.
- This process involves grouping features based on internal representations.
- Preferential gating of grouped features supports selective processing.