Research Article
Evidence for attentional processing in spatial localization
Jos J. Adam, Eddy J. Davelaar, Annoek van der Gouw, Paul Willems
Published:
September 26, 2007
DOI:
10.1007/s00426-007-0126-2
License:
© Springer-Verlag 2007
Abstract
Using a dual-task methodology, this study examined the involvement of selective attention in spatial localization. Thirty participants located a single, briefly presented, peripheral target stimulus, appearing in one of 50 positions on either side of a central fixation point, with or without the requirement to identify a simultaneously presented central distractor stimulus. Results revealed a robust interference effect in localization performance at short target durations that depended on the number of the to-be-identified distractor items. This outcome provides convergent support for the role of the attentional system in spatial localization.