Effect of size of attended area on contrast sensitivity function

Vision Res. 2001 May;41(12):1483-7. doi: 10.1016/s0042-6989(01)00032-3.

Abstract

Contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) were measured in the foveal region while subjects simultaneously performed an instantaneous judgment task, which was designed to maintain their attended areas at a constant size. Spatial attention was sustained over areas that were either narrow (Narrow condition) or broad (Broad condition). We observed that the sensitivity at higher frequencies (over 3 cpd) was greater under the Narrow condition than that under the Broad condition, supporting the argument that attention enhances spatial resolution.

MeSH terms

  • Attention / physiology*
  • Contrast Sensitivity / physiology*
  • Fovea Centralis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Psychophysics
  • Size Perception / physiology*