This thesis presents two experiments related to the ability of unexpected events to capture attention during dynamic tracking tasks. It has previously been demonstrated that sudden changes in the direction of movement of a stimulus can capture attention. However, the mechanisms driving this attentional capture are unclear. In particular, it has not yet been shown whether capture is caused by a discrepancy between predicted and observed movement, or simply by the novelty of the changes in movement themselves. A modified MOT task was created to address whether attentional capture could occur in the absence of stimulus-driven priority signals; i.e., when unexpected events occurred without sudden changes in direction. In Experiment 1a, this task failed to replicate previous findings that sudden changes in direction capture attention. Experiment 1b identified potential causes of this replication failure, focusing on the role that extrapolations of motion direction play in object tracking. In Experiment 2, neural correlates of attentional capture were identified for the first time in response to unexpected changes in stimulus direction during MOT. Additionally, distinct neural activity possibly indicating attentional capture was identified in response to unexpected events in the absence of stimulus-driven priority signals. Overall, these findings suggest that errors in prediction can drive attentional capture during complex, dynamic settings.
Attentional capture of unexpected events during dynamic tracking tasks
Raimundo-Ramos, R. (Author). 18 Mar 2025
Student thesis: Master's Thesis › Master of Science by Research (MScR)