Change detection in a change blindness flicker paradigm

Abstract

This study explored trends in change detection within the change blindness (CB) flicker paradigm. A sample comprising 92 university students was tested for speed in change detection. A number of alternating photographic scenes with and without changes in objects were shown in a computer laboratory. There were significant differences between males and females for central and marginal interest changes on different change types, which included changes in colour, presence and location of objects. The results were used to illustrate the methodological restrictions of previous studies and to expand on theoretical explanations for this phenomenon. This study also challenged the various notions pertaining to the nature of the representations one forms when perceiving visually. The application of connectionist principles revealed the ambiguity of representational-based explanations for change detection.