Closure of salient regions determines search for a collinear target configuration
Elliott, Mark
Elliott, Mark
Loading...
Repository DOI
Publication Date
2007-01
Keywords
Type
Article
Downloads
Citation
Conci, M., Mueller, H. J., & Elliott, M. A. (2007). Closure of salient regions determines search for a collinear target configuration. Perception & Psychophysics, 69(1), 32-47.
Abstract
Grouping operations offer an effective mechanism by which to structure complex visual scenes. Among the various principles that support element integration, closure may be regarded as a main factor in shape extraction. In five experiments, we investigated the impact of grouping by closure on search for target configurations made up of collinearly arranged corner junctions. Systematic variations in the configuration of distractor elements were explored to investigate how the figural information of distractors interferes with target detection. The results showed no search interference for distractor configurations that were open forms. By contrast, distractors making up closed forms reduced the efficiency of search performance, indicating closure as a major contributor to form detection in multielement configurations. In conclusion, the effects reported may be considered to arise from mechanisms of unit formation that support the rapid extraction of salient regions to guide search.
Publisher
Psychonomic Society
Publisher DOI
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Ireland