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- Title
Load theory of selective attention and cognitive control.
- Authors
Lavie, Nilli; Hirst, Aleksandra; de Fockert, Jan W; Viding, Essi
- Abstract
A load theory of attention in which distractor rejection depends on the level and type of load involved in current processing was tested. A series of experiments demonstrates that whereas high perceptual load reduces distractor interference, working memory load or dual-task coordination load increases distractor interference. These findings suggest 2 selective attention mechanisms: a perceptual selection mechanism serving to reduce distractor perception in situations of high perceptual load that exhaust perceptual capacity in processing relevant stimuli and a cognitive control mechanism that reduces interference from perceived distractors as long as cognitive control functions are available to maintain current priorities (low cognitive load). This theory resolves the long-standing early versus late selection debate and clarifies the role of cognitive control in selective attention.
- Publication
Journal of experimental psychology. General, 2004, Vol 133, Issue 3, p339
- ISSN
0096-3445
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1037/0096-3445.133.3.339