Retinal location and its effect on the spatial distribution of visual attention

A series of studies tested for distracter compatibility effects across wide target/distractor distances (0.6 degrees to 20 degrees of visual angle). The effects of precue condition, constant/varied target location, horizontal/vertical distracter distance, and foveal/peripheral presentation were studied. Results show strong compatibility effects across wide distances when distracters are at peripheral retinal locations. When both stimuli were presented at the same peripheral location in opposite hemifields, compatibility effects were evident within an area of at least 2.5 degrees of visual angle. In contrast, when foveally placed distracters were used, compatibility effects were found primarily with target letters positioned near. The findings suggest that distance effects are not homogeneous across retinal location.