Rapid changes in visual-spatial attention distort object shape

Abstract

Shifts of attention due to rapid cue onsets have been shown to distort the perceived location of objects, but are there also systematic distortions in the perceived shapes of the objects themselves from such shifts? The present study demonstrates that there are. In three experiments, oval contours were presented that varied in width and height. Two brief, bright white dots were presented as cues and were positioned horizontally or vertically either inside or outside the oval contour. Observers had to judge whether the oval was taller than wide. The results show that the perceived shape of an oval was changed by visual cues such that the oval contours were repelled by the cues (Exp. 1). This effect only occurred when the cues preceded the ovals, providing sufficient time between the presentations to attract involuntary attention (Exp. 2). Moreover, an explanation based on figural aftereffects was ruled out (Exp. 3).