Basic Processes in Reading: The Role of Spatial Attention in Visual Word Processing

Abstract

The present thesis is concerned with the role of spatial attention in visual word processing. Eleven experiments are reported each of which consists of the combination of a manipulation of spatial attention (i.e., cue validity) with a manipulation of word processing. Five different manipulations of word processing were employed (1) long lag repetition priming, (2) case mixing, (3) inter-letter spacing, (4) the presence/absence of irrelevant features, and (5) set size. The conjoint effects of these factors were used to infer the role of spatial attention in visual word processing. Discussion focuses on integrating the present results into a viable theory and outlining future directions.