Expert image analysts show enhanced visual processing in change detection

Abstract

Expertise facilitates change detection performance, but the neural underpinnings of these benefits are unknown. Expert image analysts showed larger change-related ERP effects between about 100-200 msec after stimulus onset than did novices, which correlated with both accuracy and years of analysis experience. These results demonstrate that years of visual experience can induce fundamental changes in early visual processing which are related to change detection abilities. © 2009 The Psychonomic Society, Inc.