Comparing visual search behavior in mixed versus blocked tasks
Official title: Prevalence Effects in Visual Search: Theoretical and Practical Implications (J)
Run by Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT06934213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how people's ability to find things changes when they do the same search task over and over compared to when they have to switch between different tasks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06934213 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals who can pass the Ishihara color vision test and have corrected vision of at least 20/25.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of neuromuscular or visual disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This experiment investigates how visual search behavior differs when participants perform the same search task repeatedly versus when they are presented with mixed tasks. The study involves four different search tasks where the target remains constant, but the distractors vary. Participants are given some choice in what they are searching for, simulating real-world conditions. The findings aim to enhance our understanding of visual attention and search strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve strategies for enhancing visual search efficiency in everyday tasks.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in understanding visual search behavior, but this specific approach of mixing tasks is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Pass Ishihara color vision test Exclusion Criteria: • vision less than 20/25 with correction \- history of neuromuscular or visual disorders
Where it's running
-
Brigham & Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeremy M Wolfe, PhD — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jeremy M Wolfe, PHD
- Email: jwolfe@bwh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6178511166
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.