2010 Student Research Conference:
23rd Annual Student Research Conference

Eliminating the Attentional Blink through Effective Cuing
David G. Carrell*, Frankie J. Bruning, Joy C. Bulen, and Elizabeth A. Necka
Dr. Robert Tigner, Faculty Mentor

In attentional blink (AB) paradigms, the second of two targets in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) goes unreported if it occurs within 500ms of the first. Recent cuing studies revealed a significant reduction in the AB when T2 is precued, suggesting that the AB occurs because of delayed re-engagement of attention. The present research added a moving cue to the RSVP stream (dots to the left of the fixation that move rightward, meeting the RSVP when each target appeared). Cuing T1 and T2 together and independent of one another led to an additional and significant reduction of the blink. The study confirmed the prediction that if participants could precisely anticipate the timing and relative positions of both targets (T1 and T2), they could efficiently reengage attention, not falling victim to the AB. Implications from this study suggest that timing information can improve the efficiency of attentional engagement.

Keywords: Attentional Blink, Effective Cueing, Attention, RSVP

Topic(s):Psychology

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 29-4
Location: MG 1000
Time: 10:15

Add to Custom Schedule

* Indicates the Student Presenter
   SRC Privacy Policy