Prevalence-Based Decisions Undermine Visual Search
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2013
Journal / Book Title
Visual Cognition
Abstract
In visual search, observers make decisions about the presence or absence of a target based on their perception of a target during search. The present study investigated whether decisions can be based on observers' expectation rather than perception of a target. In Experiment 1, participants were allowed to make target-present responses by clicking on the target or, if the target was not perceived, a target-present button. Participants used the target-present button option more frequently in difficult search trials and when target prevalence was high. Experiment 2 and 3 employed a difficult search task that encouraged the use of prevalence-based decisions. Target presence was reported faster when target prevalence was high, indicating that decisions were, in part, cognitive, and not strictly perceptual. A similar pattern of responses were made even when no targets appeared in the search (Experiment 3). The implication of these prevalence-based decisions for visual search models is discussed.
DOI
10.1080/13506285.2013.811135
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Schwark, Jeremy D.; MacDonald, Justin; Sandry, Joshua; and Dolgov, Igor, "Prevalence-Based Decisions Undermine Visual Search" (2013). Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 386.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/psychology-facpubs/386
Published Citation
Schwark, J. D., MacDonald, J., Sandry, J., & Dolgov, I. (2013). Prevalence-based decisions undermine visual search. Visual Cognition, 21(5), 541-568. https://doi.org/10.1080/13506285.2013.811135
