Preconstancy information can influence visual search: The case of lightness constancy

Can visual search be based on preconstancy representations of the scene-tha t is, ones in which accidental characteristics of the scene, such as shadow s, point of view, and distance, have not yet been discounted? This question was addressed within the specific context of lightness constancy, the phen omenon that surface lightness is perceived as relatively unchanged despite changes in illumination conditions. Three experiments yielded evidence of p reconstancy influence on visual search. This was true even when the precons tancy information that seemed to influence search was unavailable at a repo rtable level. The results suggest that visual search processes can be engag ed before the processing that leads to the experienced perception of the sc ene is complete.