Offset masking in a divided visual field study

Authors: Young, Keith; Atchley, Ruth Ann; Atchley, Paul

Source: Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain, and Cognition, Volume 14, Number 5, September 2009 , pp. 473-494(22)

Publisher: Psychology Press, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

A problem in divided visual field studies (especially those using event-related potentials as a dependent measure) is the large number of horizontal eye movements participants make during experimental trials. Past attention research suggests that eye movements to lateralised targets should be significantly reduced using a dynamic, offset mask, causing a reduction in attentional capture. The current study attempted to replicate past divided visual field language studies using offset masking procedures. Using a basic offset procedure, eye movements were not reduced in Experiment 1. However, Experiment 2 did show a significant reduction in eye movements using a new dynamic offset masking procedure. Low accuracy rates were a concern throughout. In conclusion, horizontal eye movements can be reduced with a dynamic offset procedure but the low accuracy rates and the inconsistent behavioural findings throughout the study suggest that further study and refinement of the paradigm is needed.

Keywords: DVF; Eye movements; Spatial attention; Laterality

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13576500802598108

Affiliations: 1: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

Publication date: 2009-09-01

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