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Cognitive Processing

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30-07-2018 | Research Article

How visual spatial attention alters perception

Author: Marisa Carrasco

Published in: Cognitive Processing | Special Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Visual attention is essential for visual perception. Spatial attention allows us to grant priority in processing and selectively process information at a given location. In this paper, I explain how two kinds of spatial attention: covert (allocated to the target location, without accompanying eye movements) and presaccadic (allocated to the location of the upcoming saccade’s target) affect performance and alter appearance. First, I highlight some behavioral and neuroimaging research on covert attention, which alters performance and appearance in many basic visual tasks. Second, I review studies showing that presaccadic attention improves performance and alters appearance at the saccade target location. Further, these modulations change the processing of feature information automatically, even when it is detrimental to the task at hand. We propose that saccade preparation may support transsaccadic integration. Systematically investigating the common and differential characteristics of covert attention and presaccadic attention will continue to further our understanding of the pervasive selective processing of information, which enables us to make sense of our complex visual world.

previous article Spatial Cognition in a Multimedia and Intercultural World Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Spatial Cognition (ICSC 2018)

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Title: How visual spatial attention alters perception
Author: Marisa Carrasco
Publication date: 30-07-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Cognitive Processing / Issue Special Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1612-4782
Electronic ISSN: 1612-4790
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-018-0883-4

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