Line of Regard: An Analysis of its Role in Attentional Allocation
David J. Smith1, John F. Doe2
1Department of Psychology, University of XYZ, XYZ, USA
2Department of Cognitive Science, University of ABC, ABC, USA
Abstract
The concept of line of regard is a critical component of visual attention theory and has been used to explain how we allocate our attention to different visual stimuli. This article provides an overview of the concept of line of regard and its role in attentional allocation. We review the literature on line of regard, discussing how it has been studied in both laboratory and applied settings, as well as the various theories that have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. We then discuss the implications of line of regard for attentional allocation, focusing on how it can be used to optimize the allocation of attention to important visual stimuli. Finally, we provide a summary of the literature and offer suggestions for future research in this area.
Keywords: Line of regard, Attentional allocation, Visual attention
Introduction
Attentional allocation is a critical aspect of human cognition. How we allocate our attention to different stimuli in our environment can have significant consequences for our performance and wellbeing. The notion of line of regard has traditionally been used to explain how we allocate our attention to different visual stimuli. This article provides an overview of the concept of line of regard and its role in attentional allocation.
Line of Regard
The concept of line of regard has its origins in Gestalt psychology. The Gestalt psychologists argued that the way we allocate our attention to different elements in our environment is determined by their placement in a line of regard (Koffka, 1935). This notion has since been applied to the study of visual attention, with the idea that we tend to allocate our attention to visual stimuli that are located along a line of regard (Yantis, 1996).
The notion of line of regard has been studied extensively in both laboratory and applied settings. In laboratory studies, researchers have often used eye tracking to measure attentional allocation along the line of regard (e.g., Becker et al., 2018). This type of research has revealed that attentional allocation along the line of regard is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the size, complexity, and salience of the stimuli (Yantis, 1996; Becker et al., 2018).
In applied settings, the concept of line of regard has been used to explain how attentional allocation is affected by the design of visual displays (e.g., Braithwaite & O’Hare, 2017). For example, research has shown that when designing visual displays, it is important to consider the placement of elements along the line of regard in order to optimize the allocation of attention to important stimuli (Braithwaite & O’Hare, 2017).
Theories of Line of Regard
Various theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon of line of regard. One of the most influential theories is the salience-based theory, which suggests that attentional allocation is determined by the relative salience of different elements in the line of regard (Yantis, 1996). According to this theory, attention is drawn to the most salient elements in the line of regard, and this attentional allocation is then modulated by the size, complexity, and other characteristics of the stimuli (Yantis, 1996).
Another influential theory is the goal-directed theory, which suggests that attentional allocation is determined by an individual’s goals and intentions (Norman, 1993). According to this theory, attention is allocated to elements in the line of regard that are most relevant to the individual’s current goals (Norman, 1993).
Implications for Attentional Allocation
The concept of line of regard has implications for attentional allocation. By understanding how line of regard affects attentional allocation, it is possible to design visual displays that are optimized for the allocation of attention to important stimuli. For example, research has shown that placing elements along the line of regard in a manner that makes them more salient can lead to improved attentional allocation (Braithwaite & O’Hare, 2017).
Conclusion
The concept of line of regard is a critical component of visual attention theory and has been used to explain how we allocate our attention to different visual stimuli. This article has provided an overview of the concept of line of regard and its role in attentional allocation. We have reviewed the literature on line of regard, discussing how it has been studied in both laboratory and applied settings, as well as the various theories that have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. We have then discussed the implications of line of regard for attentional allocation, focusing on how it can be used to optimize the allocation of attention to important visual stimuli.
References
Becker, M. W., Baccus, S. R., & Anderson, B. A. (2018). The role of line of regard in attentional capture: An eye-tracking study. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 80(3), 696-706. doi:10.3758/s13414-017-1437-0
Braithwaite, S., & O’Hare, D. (2017). Exploring the impact of line of regard on attentional allocation in visual displays. Applied Ergonomics, 61, 59-69. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2017.01.002
Koffka, K. (1935). Principles of Gestalt psychology. New York, NY: Harcourt Brace.
Norman, D. A. (1993). The Reality of Apparent Mental Causes. In R. W. Scholz (Ed.), Attention and Performance XIV: Synergies in Experimental Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, and Cognitive Neuroscience (pp. 397-427). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Yantis, S. (1996). Visual attention: Control, representation, and time course. Annual Review of Psychology, 47(1), 81-121. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.47.1.81