TY  - JOUR
TI  - Neurophysiological Correlates of the Visual Search Process: Does Categorization Matter?
T2  - Psychology. Journal of Higher School of Economics
IS  - Psychology. Journal of Higher School of Economics
KW  - categorization
KW  - working memory
KW  - hybrid search
KW  - evoked potentials
KW  - CDA
KW  - N2pc
AB  - There are a number of mechanisms for optimising information storage and processing in the cognitive system. Thus, in working memory, such optimisation is carried out, among other things, through the process of categorisation - grouping objects into categories. In its turn, a category has a number of levels, which determine the specificity and distinctness of the formed representation: subordinant, basic and superordinant. It is suggested that there is a categoricality effect: category levels influence the degree of working memory load and visual search efficiency. A particular example of a categoricality effect is the basic-level category superiority effect. This effect is that the speed and accuracy of object identification appears to be higher when given a basic level category (e.g., dog) compared to two others (e.g., dachshund or animal). The superiority effect of the basic-level category is related to the optimal ratio of specificity and distinctness of the representation. In turn, the quality of the formed representation is related to the attention template that is retained in working memory. Category level is expected to influence the attention template, and with it the level of load in working memory. The present study aimed to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms of representation formation under the influence of verbally given basic and superordinate level categories. The study was carried out in a visual search paradigm - subjects had to memorise verbally given target stimuli and then report the presence or absence of the target stimulus among distractors. Evoked potentials (EPs) were recorded and the N2pc and CDA components were analysed. The analyses yielded the specified EPs, indicating the formation of an attention template in the working memory system. However, the lack of differences between conditions indicates that there was no effect of verbally given target category level on the level of detailed attention template and working memory load.
AU  - Anastasia Anufrieva
AU  - Frol Sapronov
AU  - Anton Angelgardt
AU  - Elena Gorbunova
UR  - https://psy-journal.hse.ru/en/2024-21-4/991041383.html
PY  - 2024
SP  - 634-654
VL  - 21