Citation

Gottlob LR, Madden DJ. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 1999; 54(3): 165-172.

Affiliation

Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA. 1rg@geri.duke.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Gerontological Society of America, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10363038

Abstract

The allocation of visual spatial attention was investigated in two groups of adults, younger (n = 24; M = 19 yrs) and older (n = 24; M = 68 yrs). Two sequential target displays were presented on a computer screen. If a target letter appeared in Display 1, then observers were to identify a target letter in Display 2. Based on accuracy of Display 1 target detection, the older adults had a more restricted range of visual processing than the younger adults. Based on reaction times for Display 2 target identification, older adults appeared to use a spotlight (serial) scanning mechanism, whereas younger adults appeared to use an activity-distribution (parallel) mechanism. Results are consistent with age-related cognitive slowing, but also suggest a difference in strategy according to the availability of visual information.

Language: en