Segmentation on the basis of linear and local rotational motion: Motion grouping in visual search.
Derrick G. Watson, Glyn W. Humphreys · Journal of Experimental Psychology Human Perception & Performance · 1999
In 5 experiments using visual search procedures, grouping based on common motion was investigated Experiments 1-3 showed that items rotating locally about their center points could be segmented and selectively searched for among stationary distracters but not among distracters rotating in the opposite direction. Experiment 4 replicated previous findings showing that upward-moving items could be selectively searched for among stationary or downward-moving items. Experiment 5 showed that rotating items could be selected efficiently from among translating items and vice versa It is suggested that the visual system groups moving items only if they can feasibly belong to a single unique surface. Implications far current theories of visual attention are discussed.