Visual search in unidimensional arrays: A comparison between subjects with and without mental retardation

Abstract

Through the utilization of unidimensional visual search tasks with homogeneous backgrounds, 16 individuals with mental retardation and 16 individuals without mental retardation were tested to determine whether the efficiency of search would vary as a function of dimension (color, form, size, and line orientation, ) and/or level of intelligence. Results indicated group by set size interactions for the dimensions of form and size, indicating intelligence-related differences in search efficiency for these dimensions. In addition, pronounced performance variability within the group of subjects with mental retardation was evident. Results demonstrated no difference in efficiency of search between groups for the dimensions of color and line orientation, thus indicating that the processes involved in speeded visual search were intact for these dimensions. These findings could lead to a greater understanding of the functional parameters of visual information processing within the population of individuals with mental retardation.