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Hluchanic C, Kritikos A, 2009, "Line segments and corners of distractors are equally important in causing interference" Perception 38(5) 664 – 678
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Line segments and corners of distractors are equally important in causing interference

Catherine Hluchanic, Ada Kritikos

Received 4 September 2007, in revised form 17 August 2008; published online 18 May 2009

Abstract. In this series of studies we examine the importance of component features (line segments and corners) of a distractor in producing distractor interference. We postulated that corners are non-accidental features and therefore crucial components in the processing of distractors (Kritikos and Pavlis 2007, Experimental Brain Research 183 159 – 170). We presented non-degraded or degraded (line segments or corners removed) distractors (line drawings of tools or musical instruments) simultaneously with a target, either at fixation or peripherally. Non-degraded as well as degraded distractors caused higher levels of interference (increased reaction times and a greater number of errors), particularly when presented at fixation, while non-degraded distractors caused greater interference than degraded. Contrary to expectation, however, there was no difference in the level of interference caused by lines-missing and corners-missing distractors, either at fixation or at periphery. Thus, we conclude that, where response to a complex object is required, both lines and corners are equally important components in the visual processing of distractor stimuli.

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