Age differences in feature selection in triple conjunction search

Abstract

Younger and older participants were trained in a triple conjunction visual search task to examine age differences in the development of proficient performance. For the first 8 days, participants searched for a target defined by its contrast polarity, shape, and orientation. On Days 9 through 16, the target identity was switched to one defined by opposing feature values. On Day 17, the target was returned to the original feature values. Results indicated that, after training, younger adults reduced their display size effects more than elderly adults. Disruption occurred after the first but not after the second transfer. However, each time the target was switched, there were no age differences in disruption. Eye movement data suggest that older adults use a similar feature selection strategy as younger adults but may be more susceptible to distraction. The results are discussed in terms of current models of attention and search.