In: The New Encyclopedia of Neuroscience. (Volume editor: R. Krauzlis). Elsevier, Amsterdam.
Year of publishing
2008
Abstract
Eye movements and visual attention both enhance perceptual processing of selected portions of visual scenes. Attention filters out visual backgrounds and ensures that smooth or saccadic eye movements are programmed solely on the basis of selected visual signals. Attention can do so nearly perfectly, while still allowing some broader perceptual analysis of the scene. This cooperative interaction meets the needs of both perception and eye movement control during inspection of visual scenes. Behavioral and neurophysiological research is focused on understanding the coordination of eye movements and attention, and the processes that determine where people look during the performance of natural tasks.