Eye on context: Individual differences reveal the mechanisms of statistical learning

Abstract

If a searched-for target object is consistently encountered within repeating spatial distractor arrangements, target detection becomes more efficient relative to nonrepeated, that is, random arrangements (contextual cueing [CC] effect). However, target location changes within otherwise unchanged distractor arrays substantially weaken the cueing effect. Previous studies reported substantial variations in individual participants’ abilities to learn and relearn invariant contexts. Therefore, the current study examined how individual differences in attentional control and focus, as indexed by the well-established Stroop and Navon tasks, respectively, relate to CC in a learning phase/relocation phase design. During the visual search, we recorded behavioural reaction times (RTs) and fixation locations, the latter permitting us to decompose search RTs into search- and motor-related substages. We could thus evaluate the processes responsible for CC and the lack thereof after target relocation while also testing whether search and motor components of CC are different for individuals depending on their Stroop/Navon scores. Repeated contexts yielded faster RTs (and reduced fixation numbers), though there was a substantial decrease in cueing from learning to adaptation, consistent with previous studies. Critically, contextual learning, but not relearning, varied across individuals: participants with high-Stroop interference displayed overall larger CC during early target search, while a more local Navon task bias was associated with increased CC during later processes of target response decisions. Our results demonstrate that analysing individual differences can help validate the processes responsible for CC in search tasks, particularly distinguishing between early search and later response-related mechanisms.