Tarǵet Size and Visual Recoǵnition 1

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the speed and accuracy of form recognition as a function of the size of target forms for various amounts of detail resolution. The stimulus forms were generated by filling in, on a statistical basis, some of the cells of a 90,000-cell matrix. The subjects were shown a “briefing target” and instructed to locate that target on a display containing numerous other forms. The significant finding is that both search time and errors remain invariant until the visual angle subtense of the targets falls below 12 min; at values below 12 min performance deteriorates. This effect is independent of the range of resolutions investigated. The implications of these findings to equipment design are discussed.