Information Representation and Mechanism in the Integration of Sequential Arrays: Evidences from eye movements

摘要

Were sequential visual arrays represented as separate representations or as a combine representation in the visual short-term memory (VSTM) and whether the information of individual object in the first array could be represented in the VSTM? We investigated these two questions by manipulating topological property of objects in the first array and tracking the participants' eye movement when subjects were required to perform empty cell localization task. The results showed that during integration of sequential arrays, the participants paid more attention to the empty cell locations in the first array, which supporting convert-and-compare hypothesis. The results also showed that the variation of the topological property of objects in the first array would impact on eye movement behavior, though this effect could only be observed in complex pattern condition. This suggested that topological property of objects in the first array would be represented in the VSTM to some extent.