ABSTRACT
Abstract In two experiments the effect of distractors on the performance of an observer searching for a target was investigated. Computer-generated images were used as stimuli. These images were simplified meaningless versions of colour slides of scenes in public buildings. The results of the first experiment showed a systematic decrease in search performance with increasing number of distractors for two of three sets of images. These results were almost identical with those of a previous experiment which used the original colour slides as stimuli. In the second experiment, aimed at a further test of the feasibility of the computer images, it was shown that the effect of distractors was smaller when they were more eccentric. From the results of the two experiments it was concluded that the type of computer image developed was highly compatible with colour slides of real-world scenes and therefore can be used to mimic real-world situations and to manipulate elements in these simulated situations. The most advantageous characteristic of the computer images appears to be their lack of an obvious relation to reality, which would make future experimental results generalizable to a range of real-world situations.
