Object priming: A test of the object substitution theory of common onset masking

Abstract

Di Lollo, Enns, and Rensink's (2000) object substitution theory of common-onset masking (COM) was tested relative to other masking theories' attempts to explain masking in the common-onset paradigm (COP). Five experiments were conducted to determine the impact that object priming (i.e., priming the object shape outlined by the mask patterns used in COP) would have on object substitution. In Experiment 1, the magnitude of masking observed was increased when the shape of the mask pattern was primed (hereafter referred to as the Primed Mask Effect: PME). Experiment 2 replicated the PME and produced data that suggested that the visual recognition system may be orientation-free (i.e., objects can be rotated during the recognition process). Experiments 3 through 5 explored the role of reorientation in order to determine the necessary conditions for object priming and the PME. It was found that for object priming and PME to occur, it must be possible to reorient the mask patterns so they produce one abstract representation common to both mask patterns. It is believed that this situation allows the participant to search for a specific shape. Thus successful search becomes contingent on the masking stimulus matching the representation within the participant's search set. As a result of these findings, it was possible to differentiate the object substitution theory of masking from other theories of masking. In addition, it was possible to offer refinements to Di Lollo et al.'s computational model of object substitution (CMOS). Findings are discussed in relation to object substitution, CMOS, and other perceptual explanations of object priming and COM.