Comparing visual search behavior in mixed versus blocked tasks
Prevalence Effects in Visual Search: Theoretical and Practical Implications (J)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06934213 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who can pass the Ishihara color vision test and have corrected vision of at least 20/25.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neuromuscular or visual disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve strategies for enhancing visual search efficiency in everyday tasks.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding visual search behavior, but this specific approach of mixing tasks is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.