Visual search

PBS4

Visual search

A perception task to determine how long it takes individuals to differentiate between objects based on their features when multiple similar objects are displayed simultaneously.

Feature integration theory

Proposes that attention acts as a spotlight, binding all features (e.g., size, color, orientation) within its focus.

Parallel search

Searching for objects with a single unique feature by processing all objects at once, leading to a quicker search.

Conjunction search

Discriminating between objects based on multiple features, requiring a serial processing of objects one by one, resulting in a slower search.

Search slopes

Graphical representation showing the increase in search time for each additional object processed in a serial search, with each item adding around 50 milliseconds.

Absent versus present condition

In visual search, a 2:1 ratio exists for the time taken to complete a series search when the object is absent versus present, as participants need to process every object in the absent condition but only about half in the present condition.

High-level features

Features like facial characteristics that lead to steep search slopes, indicating that attention is focused on each object individually during the search process.