Transition from feature-search to singleton-detection strategies in visual search: The role of number of target-defining options.

When searching for a uniquely colored target in an RSVP stream of homogeneously colored nontarget items, observers can use singleton-detection and/or feature-search modes. Using an attentional-capture paradigm, we varied systematically (a) the number of possible target colors from 1 to 4 and (b) the presence or absence of a colored ring surrounding the nontarget item displayed 200 ms before the target. When present, the ring was either the same color as 1 of the possible targets (color-match), or an irrelevant color (color-mismatch).

Escape from temporal-integration masking: the roles of visible persistence and input filtering.

A brief target embedded in—and coterminating with—a noise mask is identified easily when the duration of the mask is long but not when it is short (Di Lollo, 1980; inverse-duration effect). Identification has been said to be mediated by the visible persistence of the target, which outlasted that of the mask. We tested an alternative account based on input filtering triggered by the onset and offset of the target, relative to those of the mask, without recourse to visible persistence.

Motorcyclist's lane position as a factor in right-of-way violation collisions: a driving simulator study.

A driver turning left and failing to notice an oncoming motorcyclist until too late is the most common cause of motorcycle collisions. Consequently, much previous research has focused on motorcycle properties, such as size, shape, and color to explain its inconspicuousness. However, collision statistics remain largely unchanged, suggesting that the issue may not be related solely to the motorcycle's static properties.

Driving with the wandering mind: the effect that mind-wandering has on driving performance.

Objective: The principal objective of the present work was to examine the effects of mind state (mind-wandering vs. on-task) on driving performance in a high-fidelity driving simulator.

Background: Mind-wandering is thought to interfere with goal-directed thought.

Route familiarity breeds inattention: a driving simulator study.

Inattention is a major cause of traffic accidents. Here, we show that, contrary to common-sense expectation, familiarity with a route is itself a source of driving impairment. This effect may be attributed to increased mind-wandering along familiar routes.

LCDs are better: psychophysical and photometric estimates of the temporal characteristics of CRT and LCD monitors.

Many cognitive and perceptual phenomena, such as iconic memory and temporal integration, require brief displays. A critical requirement is that the image not remain visible after its offset. It is commonly believed that liquid crystal displays (LCD) are unsuitable because of their poor temporal response characteristics relative to cathode-ray-tube (CRT) screens.

Perception of temporal order is impaired during the time course of the attentional blink.

Identification accuracy for the second of two target (T2) is impaired when presented shortly after the first (T1). Does this attentional blink (AB) also impair the perception of the order of presentation? In four experiments, three letter targets (T1, T2, T3) were inserted in a stream of digit distractors displayed in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), with T3 always presented directly after T2. The T1-T2 lag was varied to assess the perception of T2-T3 temporal order throughout the period of the AB.

Unique sudden onsets capture attention even when observers are in feature-search mode.

Two sources of attentional capture have been proposed: stimulus-driven (exogenous) and goal-oriented (endogenous). A resolution between these modes of capture has not been straightforward. Even such a clearly exogenous event as the sudden onset of a stimulus can be said to capture attention endogenously if observers operate in singleton-detection mode rather than feature-search mode.