The Function of Visual Search and Memory in Sequential Looking Tasks

Julie Epelboim, Robert M. Steinman, Eileen Kowler, Mark Edwards, Zygmunt Pizlo, Casper J. Erkelens, Han Collewijn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

115 Scopus citations

Abstract

Eye and head movements were recorded as unrestrained subjects tapped or only looked at nearby targets. Scanning patterns were the same in both tasks: subjects looked at each target before tapping it; visual search had similar speeds and gaze-shift accuracies. Looking however, took longer and, unlike tapping, benefitted little from practice. Looking speeded up more than tapping when memory load was reduced: memory was more efficient during tapping.  Conclusion : eye movements made when only looking are different from those made when tapping. Visual search functions as a separate process, incorporated into both tasks: it can be used to improve performance when memory load is heavy.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalVision Research
Volume35
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 23 2000

Keywords

  • Memory
  • Saccades
  • Visual search
  • Visuomotor coordination

DC Disciplines

  • Physical Sciences and Mathematics
  • Astrophysics and Astronomy

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