Action-centred attention in virtual environments

A recent action-centred model of selective attention holds that attention depends upon the relation between the intended target, distracting stimuli, and the action to be performed (Tipper, Lortie, & Baylis, 1992). In contrast to many earlier studies, where perception and action seem to be dissociated, an action-centred approach stresses that what is perceived depends on how we intend to interact with the environment (Bootsma, 1989). Consequently, selective attention is best studied under conditions analogous to the three-dimensional, real-world action in which humans typically engage (Tipper et al., 1992). Three experiments were conducted to assess the predictions of this model when participants are required to direct action to intended targets located within a computer-generated virtual environment. Taken together, the results suggest that human selective attention is predominately influenced by the degree to which perception and action space is aligned. Specifically, unless a reasonably direct spatial alignment of perception and action is evident, any competing response afforded by irrelevant stimuli is less likely to impede either movement preparation or execution.