Retinal location and its effect on the spatial distribution of visual attention

A series of studies tested for distracter compatibility effects across wide target/distractor distances (0.6 degrees to 20 degrees of visual angle). T he effects of precue condition, constant/varied target location, horizontal /vertical distracter distance, and foveal/peripheral presentation were stud ied. Results show strong compatibility effects across wide distances when d istracters are at peripheral retinal locations. When both stimuli were pres ented at the same peripheral location in opposite hemifields, compatibility effects were evident within an area of at least 2.5 degrees of visual angl e. In contrast, when foveally placed distracters were used, compatibility e ffects were found primarily with target letters positioned near. The findin gs suggest that distance effects are not homogeneous across retinal locatio n.