Visual Information Processing
How do we navigate the complex scenes we view every day to find the objects and information for which we are searching? How do perception and cognition act together to orchestrate complex tasks like reading and visual search? What types of things capture our attention even when we are not looking for them? How do experience and training modify visual and attentional processing? These are just a few of the research questions faculty within the Cognitive program address.
A number of researchers at Florida State University conduct research on visual information processing in both basic and applied contexts by utilizing a variety of behavioral and eye tracking techniques:
Dr. Radach examines visual processing in two main areas of interest: He studies the time course and control of visual and linguistic information processing, using results to advance a model of the reading process. This research includes developmental and multilingual perspectives and a focus on reading problems and acquired dyslexia. A second line of work investigates visuomotor control, attention and executive functions in clinical contexts such as ADHD and acute alcohol intoxication.
Dr. Boot's research focuses on two general areas. First, what are the factors that determine the allocation of attention during visual search and scene viewing? His work on visual search examines how top-down goals and expectations interact with the visual properties of the scenes we view to determine which areas and objects are processed. Additionally, Dr. Boot investigates how video game experience and video game expertise modify attentional processes.
Faculty involved in research on visual information processing:
Ralph Radach
Walter Boot
Selected Publications:
Radach, R., Huestegge, L. & Reilly, R. (2008). The role of global top-down factors in local eye movement control in reading. Psychological Research, 72, 675-688.
Reilly, R & Radach, R. (2006). Some empirical tests of an interactive activation model of eye movement control in reading. Cognitive Systems Research, 7, 34-55.
Vorstius , Ch. , Radach, R., Lang, A. & Riccardi, C. (2008). Specific visuomotor deficits due to alcohol intoxication: evidence from the pro- and antisaccade paradigms. Psychopharmacology, 196, 201-210.
Boot, W.R., Kramer, A.F., Simons, D.J., Fabiani, M., & Gratton, G. (2008). The effects of video game playing on attention, memory, and executive control. Acta Psychologica, 129, 387-398.
Brockmole, J.R. & Boot, W.R. (in press). Should I stay or should I go?: Attentional disengagement from unique items at fixation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance.
Boot, W.R., Kramer, A.F., Becic, E., Wiegmann, D.A., & Kubose, T. (2006). Detecting transient changes in dynamic displays: The more you look, the less you see. Human Factors, 48, 759-773.
