Spatial working memory in visual search for multiple targets

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Abstract

The article investigated the role of spatial working memory in visual search for multiple targets, in particular, in subsequent search misses effect. This phenomenon is the second target omission after the first target has been found in visual search task. One of the theoretical interpretations of subsequent search misses is the lack of resources (attention and/or working memory) after the first target is found. Experiment investigated dual-target visual search efficiency in standard conditions and with additional spatial working memory load. Additional working memory load did not have any significant impact in multiple target visual search efficiency. The results can due to the role of object, but not spatial working memory in this task. Alternative explanation assumes using special tools and strategies.

General Information

Keywords: visual attention, working memory, visual search, subsequent search misses, strategies of perceptual task solution

Journal rubric: Cognitive Psychology

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/exppsy.2017100104

For citation: Gorbunova E.S. Spatial working memory in visual search for multiple targets. Eksperimental'naâ psihologiâ = Experimental Psychology (Russia), 2017. Vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 38–52. DOI: 10.17759/exppsy.2017100104. (In Russ., аbstr. in Engl.)

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Information About the Authors

Elena S. Gorbunova, PhD in Psychology, LAssociate Professor, Head of Laboratory of Cognitive Psychology of Digital Interfaces User, School of Psychology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3646-2605, e-mail: gorbunovaes@gmail.com

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