Question

What is true of the pop-out effect?

a) it is never found in single feature searches.
b) it is never found in conjunction searches.
c) it is always found in conjunction searches.
d) it is equally likely to be seen in single feature searches or conjunction searches.

Answer 1

The pop-out effect is never found in single feature searches.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is a) it is never found in single feature searches.

The pop-out effect refers to the phenomenon where a target item that is distinct from other items in a display automatically captures attention and is detected much faster than non-distinct items. It is typically observed in single feature searches, where the target item can be easily distinguished based on a single feature such as color.

For example, if you are looking for a red dot among green dots, the red dot will immediately 'pop out' and catch your attention. In conjunction searches, where the target item is defined based on a combination of features, the pop-out effect is not observed to the same extent.

Answer 2

The pop-out effect occurs when a target item stands out from distractors due to a unique feature, typically in single feature searches. It is unlikely to be seen in conjunction searches where the target item requires a combination of features to be identified.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pop-out effect refers to the phenomenon in visual search where a unique target item 'pops out' and is easily detected amongst a set of distractor items, regardless of the number of distractors. This effect is most commonly associated with single feature searches, where the target differs in a simple, yet salient feature such as color, shape, or orientation. In contrast, conjunction searches require a combination of features to identify the target, which typically results in a slower and more effortful search process, since no single feature causes the target to stand out. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is:

b) it is never found in conjunction searches.