Aging and Visual Attention: The Effect of Perceptual Load on Dual-Task Performance

Abstract

The ability to use information that is not directly in front of us (information located in the periphery) is important in many aspects of everyday life (e.g., using a computer, driving). It may be critical that a person be able to effectively use the information in the periphery. The current study examined how age-related changes in perceptual processing capacity and display-related variations in perceptual load affected the spatial distribution of visual attention. The results suggest that displays that make high demands on perceptual processing capacity reduce the functional field of view in older adults. Younger adults, however, were unaffected by the perceptual load manipulation. The primary practical implication is that displays that are intended to be used by older adults should not make high demands on their limited perceptual processing capacity.

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