Abstract
Visual search for a target object can be facilitated by the repeated presentation of an invariant configuration of nontargets (‘contextual cueing’). Here, we tested adaptation of learned contextual associations after a sudden, but permanent, relocation of the target. After an initial learning phase targets were relocated within their invariant contexts and repeatedly presented at new locations, before they returned to the initial locations. Contextual cueing for relocated targets was neither observed after numerous presentations nor after insertion of an overnight break. Further experiments investigated whether learning of additional, previously unseen context-target configurations is comparable to adaptation of existing contextual associations to change. In contrast to the lack of adaptation to changed target locations, contextual cueing developed for additional invariant configurations under identical training conditions. Moreover, across all experiments, presenting relocated targets or additional contexts did not interfere with contextual cueing of initially learned invariant configurations. Overall, the adaptation of contextual memory to changed target locations was severely constrained and unsuccessful in comparison to learning of an additional set of contexts, which suggests that contextual cueing facilitates search for only one repeated target location.
Highlights
Experience greatly influences our perception of the visual world
Experiment 1A While contextual cueing occurred for initial target locations in the learning phase, visual search for relocated targets was only comparable to search in new-context displays in the relocation phase [12,13,14]
Contextual cueing for initial target locations was preserved across the presentation of relocated targets [15,16] and immediately facilitated search upon the return of initial target locations
Summary
Experience greatly influences our perception of the visual world. For example, familiar contingencies between scenes and objects can support target identification (see [1] for review). Observers can identify a loaf of bread faster than a shaped post box both presented in the same kitchen scene [2]. Such observations suggest that processing of target objects benefits from a coherent and familiar scene context. Natural scenes may remain quite stable, observers are often required to detect a target object placed at changing locations. If observers are familiar with the kitchen scene, they will find the saucepan relatively quickly, irrespective of its variable location. Other objects, such as a kettle, usually stay in one place in the kitchen, and if they are moved to a new position, the relocation will be relatively permanent. In order to ensure quick search for such permanently relocated targets, context-target associations would have to be adapted to the new situation in the longer term; that is, already established representations would have to be relearned
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
