Watson, Derrick G. , Maylor, Elizabeth A. and Manson, Nicola J.. (2002) Aging and enumeration: a selective deficit for the subitization of targets among distractors. Psychology and Aging, Vol.17 (No.3). pp. 496-504. ISSN 0882-7974

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Abstract

The term subitization has been used to refer to the fast and accurate enumeration of up to about 4 items. Beyond 4 items, enumeration becomes more serial and less accurate, with each additional item adding to the total enumeration time. The effects of aging on visual enumeration of targets (Os) were assessed with and without the presence of distractors (Xs). Young participants (n = 30; 18-27 years) showed the usual subitization-counting enumeration function, both with and without the presence of distractors. In contrast, for older participants (n = 35; 65-79 years), evidence for subitization was found only when distractors were absent. This occurred even though they could detect an individual target among distractors in parallel across the field. The results are discussed in relation to recent theories of visual selection and enumeration.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Human information processing -- Age factors , Distraction (Psychology), Visual perception
Journal or Publication Title:	Psychology and Aging
Publisher:	American Psychological Society
ISSN:	0882-7974
Date:	September 2002
Volume:	Vol.17
Number:	No.3
Number of Pages:	9
Page Range:	pp. 496-504
Identification Number:	10.1037//0882-7974.17.3.496
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Grant number:	R000239180 (ESRC)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/10563

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