The Effect of Ratio of Changing to Static Stimuli on the Attentional Capture

Abstract

Studies have shown that appearing or disappearing objects attract more attention than static objects. This study examined the modulation of attention attracted by transient signals by systematically manipulating the ratio of changing (appearing/disappearing) to static stimuli. The results revealed that the effect of transient stimuli in attracting attention was diminished by simultaneously appearing (disappearing) peripheral stimuli and that the position where nothing was presented (the remaining stimulus) attracted attention when the number of appearing (disappearing) peripheral stimuli was increased. These findings suggest that the sudden change does not always capture attention, and whether changed things are attended or unchanged things are attended is determined depending on the proportion of things that change and do not change.