Target Memory Superiority in Undefined Visual Search

Thomas, M., & Williams, C. (2008). Target Memory Superiority in Undefined Visual Search. Chicago, IL.

Abstract

An undefined visual search task was used to determine if providing semantic labels prior to search helps to bolster visual memory for target objects compared to distractors. Participants determined if a singleton real-world object was present in a display or if all objects had an exact match. Although not defined prior to search, singleton targets were remembered better than all distractor types, suggesting that target objects are processed differently than distractors even when not defined prior to search. However, predefined conjunction targets from a second experiment were remembered better than singleton targets, indicating that semantic labels aid visual memory.