Final answer:
Target popout is an example of a parallel search because the distinctive target item captures the observer's attention quickly and efficiently without a slow, item-by-item search. It contrasts with a serial search, where each item is examined in turn.
Step-by-step explanation:
Target popout is a phenomenon in visual search where a distinctive target item quickly grabs the attention of the observer without the need for a slow, item-by-item search. The correct answer to the question 'Target popout is an example of what?' is 1) Parallel search. This type of visual search is contrasted with serial search, where the observer must look at each item in turn until the target is found. In a parallel search, the distinctiveness of the target allows it to 'pop out' among distractors, enabling rapid detection, often regardless of the number of distractors present.
Example of Parallel Search
One classic example of a parallel search task could be locating a bright red circle among a field of green circles. The red target pops out due to its distinct color, thus not requiring the observer to examine each green circle to notice the red one.
In the options given, ethereal search is not a recognized term in visual search paradigms, conjunction search occurs when the target is defined by a combination of features and typically requires a serial search, and serial search implies a methodical and time-consuming examination of items.