Using object color diagnosticity to influence access to semantic information in a boundary extension paradigm

Abstract

Individuals consistently remember seeing wider-angle versions of previously viewed scenes than actually existed. The multi-source model of boundary extension (BE) suggests many sources of information contribute to this visual memory error. Color diagnosticity is known to affect object recognition with poorer recognition for atypically vs. typically colored objects. If atypically colored objects lead to poorer recognition then, according to the multi-source model, a less precise initial encoding should lead to greater BE. Low color diagnostic stimuli and two versions of high color diagnostic scenes were tested (i.e., typically and atypically colored). Scenes were presented for 46 or 250 ms followed by a mask, and then immediately presented again for test. Observers first identified the central object, then gave a BE rating. Our findings suggest reduced availability of semantic information leads to increased boundary extension. This provides further insight into the role of object recognition and semantic information on boundary extension.