Identification of visual patterns as a function of information load.

Abstract

Twelve groups of six Ss each served in an experiment on target identification. The groups corresponded to the cells of a 3 x 4 factorial design having 1-4 bits of relevant information and 0-2 bits of irrelevant information, presented to S by a single stimulus source. The S''s task was to identify oscilloscope patterns by positioning 4 lever-action switches and to test this identification by pressing a push button. The response measure was the time required to identify 32 consecutive patterns. Errors were also recorded, but they did not vary as a function of any parameter except practice. The major findings: (a) time to respond increases as a linear function of relevant information load, but (b) this response time was independent of amount of irrelevant information. These results were compared with those of previous studies.