Visual search is facilitated by scene and sequence familiarity in rhesus monkeys

Vision Res. 2003 Jun;43(13):1455-63. doi: 10.1016/s0042-6989(03)00176-7.

Abstract

Whether searching for targets in a familiar scene leads to improved performance was tested in monkeys. We found that search performance improved for a familiar scene when target locations were always randomized. However, when target locations repeatedly followed a predictable sequence, performance improvement for a familiar scene was manifested only for targets presented in a familiar sequence, suggesting that scene memory might be masked by the learning of target sequences. These results suggest that information about a visual scene can facilitate the performance of visual search, and that this memory is coupled to the learned sequence of target locations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Macaca mulatta / physiology*
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Pursuit, Smooth / physiology*
  • Vision, Ocular / physiology*