To survive in a dynamic environment like ours, it is essential to selectively pay attention to both the place in space and the temporal moment in which a relevant event could occur. Researchers from CIMCYC have published a review of studies in this field.
Although it is logical to think that there is a close connection between spatial and temporal attention, for example, when we have to cross a busy street, these have been mainly investigated separately. However, understanding whether spatial and temporal attention constitute two independent systems or if, on the contrary, they interact to optimize behavior, is a very important question both theoretically and applied. For example, a better understanding of the relationship between spatial and temporal attention could inspire future neurocognitive and computational models. Furthermore, this knowledge could help better understand situations where both forms of attention are crucial, such as driving or air traffic control. However, to date, there is no clear view of the relationship between spatial and temporal attention. This is due to both the heterogeneity of the paradigms used to combine the two forms of attention and the lack of consensus on the underlying cognitive processes.
The literature review conducted provides a detailed description of studies that have combined spatial and temporal attention, also considering the type of manipulation (endogenous or exogenous) and the type of task (detection or discrimination) employed. Overall, the results show that these factors play a key role in the relationship between spatial and temporal attention, also pointing out some critical points that require further research.
Full Reference: Capizzi, M., Chica, A. B., Lupiáñez, J., & Charras, P. (2023). Attention to space and time: Independent or interactive systems? A narrative review. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 30(6), 2030–2048. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-023-02325-y
Contact CIMCYC researchers:
Mariagrazia Capicci (mgcapizzi@ugr.es)
Ana B. Chica (anachica@ugr.es)
Juan Lupiáñez (jlupiane@ugr.es)