Focusing on Objects: Factors Modulating Object-based Attentional Effects

This dissertation explores how we focus our attention on objects and examines the various factors that influence this process. We utilized variations of the 'two-rectangle paradigm' to gain insights into object-based attention and understand the intricate connections between object features, time, individual differences, and their interactions. Findings include variations in how people distributed their attention over time and how the reliability of cues affected what they paid attention to. We also demonstrated that the location of cues and the orientation of objects together impacted where attention was directed. Studies on object properties revealed their influence on attention, particularly when specific cues were combined with horizontal objects. Furthermore, the research uncovered that attention was not evenly distributed within objects, and certain parts captured attention more quickly than others. These findings illustrate the complexity of directing attention to objects and contribute to our understanding of this phenomenon.