Participants are shown two rectangles. A target appears in one of the rectangles. Prior to the appearance of the target, a cue appears signaling the target's location. In the majority of the trials the cue is correct; however, sometimes the cue is misleading. In the latter case the target could appear in the same rectangle but at a different location or in the other rectangle. Which of the following statements is MOST likely to be true when the cue is misleading?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the cue is misleading but appears in the same rectangle as the target, it still provides some information about the possible location of the target. This allows participants to prepare a response for that rectangle and respond faster when the target does appear in that rectangle, even if it is in a different location than the cue. In contrast, if the cue is misleading and appears in the other rectangle, it provides no useful information, and participants must search both rectangles for the target, slowing their response time. Therefore, A is the correct answer.

Participants Are Shown Two Rectangles