Distribution in the visual field of the costs of voluntarily allocated attention and of the inhibitory after-effects of covert orienting.

摘要: Abstract By using a simple reaction time (RT) paradigm we have investigated the spatial distribution of benefits and costs voluntarily directed attention inhibitory after-effects covert orienting. In first experiment subjects deliberately allocated to each one five stimulus positions disposed along horizontal meridian, while at same fixing their eyes on central position. The separation in visual angle between position two nearest positions, left other right, was 10°; that most eccentric 30°. comparing RT brief flashes light presented during with identical diffuse (i.e., condition which paid equal all positions), it possible determine benefits, is decreases relative diffuse-attention condition, were strictly limited attended Costs, i.e. increases showed more complex pattern. When noncentral apparent contralateral position, but not ipsilateral occurred positions. This suggests special role for vertical meridian delimiting area when covertly orients towards opposite right or half field. Work others our preliminary evidence indicate similarly by toward upper lower second studied after-effect Orienting without moving may induce short-lived facilitation speed response this followed profound prolonged retardation. two-flashes observed retardation only stimuli appeared also they different locations altitudinal lateral hemifield. There no sides meridian. Thus, as attention, spread orienting demarcated An attempt provide unitary interpretation similarity distributions types attentional effects made referring directional constrains motor readiness are common both situations.