Attentional switching in spatial and nonspatial domains: Evidence from the attentional blink

Much is known about attentional switching across space; but much less about switches between nonspatial domains such as category or task. Nonetheless, extensive information about attentional switching in both spatial and nonspatial domains can be found in the experimental literature on a phenomenon known as the attentional blink, in which a switch is required between 2 rapidly sequential targets. If the 2 targets follow one another directly, identification of the second target is almost perfect when no attentional switch is required between the targets or when the switch is unidimensional. In contrast, identification is impaired with switches in location or with multidimensional switches. This pattern of results is consistent with the joint operation of location-specific endogenously controlled input filters and exogenously controlled domain-specific modules.