Visual Search: Detection, Identification, and Localization

In two studies, observers searched for a single oblique target in a field of vertical distractors. In one experiment, target detection and identification (left versus right tilt) were compared. In another experiment, detection and localization were compared for the left versus the right half of the display. Performance on all three tasks was virtually identical: if a target could be detected, it could also be identified and localized. A review of previous studies generally supports the conclusion that performance on the three tasks is similar. This argues against current search theories, which rest heavily on data showing differences in identification and localization.