Abstract: | Feature integration theory (Treisman & Gelade, 1980) suggested that simple features are coded in parallel in a number of specialized feature maps, but that focussed attention is required to ensure the correct integration of features to specify objects. This is done by a serial scan through a master-map of locations, giving access to the features currently occupying the attended location. These are then integrated to form a representation of the object in the selected location. The present paper reviewed new evidence that has accrued since 1980 and elaborated the model to accommodate the recent findings. The proposal is that four different mechanisms may be involved in different conditions: selection of locations, directed by an externally controlled window of attention; selection by features through preattentive grouping; selection of objects; and selection for access to responses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |