Does Number of Perceptions or Cross-Modal Auditory Cueing Influence Audiovisual Processing Speed?

Abstract

What factors contribute to redundant target processing speed besides statistical facilitation? One possibility is that multiple percepts may drive these effects. Another, although not mutually exclusive hypothesis, is that cross-channel cueing from one modality to another may influence response times. We implemented an auditory-visual detection task using the sound-induced flash illusion to examine whether one or both of these possibilities contributes to changes in processing speed; we did so by examining the data of individual participants. Our results indicated shorter response times in several participants when multiple flashes were perceived in the standard sound-induced flash illusion, thereby replicating previous work in the literature. Additionally, we found evidence for faster responses in several participants when carrying out the same analysis in trials in which 1 beep was presented with 2 real flashes. Overall, our analysis indicates that some observers benefit from cross-modal facilitation, whereas others may benefit from a combination of cross-modal facilitation and increased perceptual judgments.