Visual search training via a consistency protocol: a pilot study. Issue 9 (26th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biggs, Adam T.; Mitroff, Stephen R.
• Is Part Of: Visual cognition. Volume 27:Issue 9/10(2019)
• Page Start: 657
• Page End: 667
• Publication Date: 2019-11-26
• Subjects: Visual search -- consistency -- cognitive training -- professional search -- search accuracy; Visual perception -- Periodicals; Cognition -- Periodicals; Vision -- Periodicals; 152.14
• DOI: 10.1080/13506285.2019.1634662
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-6285

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Visual search, looking for targets among distractors, is a core cognitive ability for many professions (e.g., aviation security, radiology, military). As such, there is often a large focus on training to improve performance. Existing training procedures largely emphasize improving target recognition skills (i.e., identifying targets), however, generalized visual search training might provide more robust results by improving generic search skills. Generalized search training has received relatively little attention and much is unknown about if and how it might work. The current pilot study examined the impact of one hypothesized general factor, search consistency, on potential search improvements. Search consistency was operationalized as the degree to which individuals approached searches in the same way across attempts. A training study with novice searchers revealed significant reductions in false alarms, suggesting that consistency training could potentially offer a means to affect general search performance.