What kind of attention modulates the Stroop effect?

Author(s): Stolz, J. A.

Journal/Book: Psychonomic Bull Rev. 1999; 6: 1710 Fortview Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA. Psychonomic Soc Inc. 99-104.

Abstract: An intersection of three literatures (skilled word recognition, spatial attention, and the Stroop effect) is addressed in a series of four experiments. The results, in conjunction with other observations, are taken to suggest that (1) the default value for spatial attention in visual word recognition is distributed across the word, (2) precuing a single letter position serves to narrow the focus of spatial attention, and (3) this reduces or prevents activation in the word recognition system. Consequently the Stroop effect is reduced in magnitude or eliminated, depending on details of the context. Contrary to the widespread view that it reflects automatic processing, the Stroop effect is better conceptualized as reflecting the action of default settings in the word recognition and attentional systems. Some relations between consciousness, context, and control are noted.

Note: Article Besner D, Univ Waterloo, Dept Psychol, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, CANADA

Keyword(s): SPATIAL ATTENTION; PERFORMANCE; PERCEPTION; ACTIVATION; CAPTURE; WORDS; TASK; SET

Zurück | Weiter