Attentional switching in spatial and nonspatial domains: Evidence from theattentional blink

Much is known about attentional switching across space; but much less about switches between nonspatial domains such as category or task. Nonetheless, extensive information about attentional switching in both spatial and nons patial domains can be found in the experimental literature on a phenomenon known as the attentional blink, in which a switch is required between 2 rap idly sequential targets. If the 2 targets follow one another directly, iden tification of the second target is almost perfect when no attentional switc h is required between the targets or when the switch is unidimensional. In contrast, identification is impaired with switches in location or with mult idimensional switches. This pattern of results is consistent with the joint operation of location-specific endogenously controlled input filters and e xogenously controlled domain-specific modules.