Study Details

Title:

Spatial localization in multisensory divided attention tasks

Researcher:

Taylor Knickel   

Contact:

"Taylor Knickel" <knick071@umn.edu>

Term:

Fall 2026

Description:

Spatial localization is a necessary and crucial component in how individuals navigate simple and complex environments. This study aims to expand on spatial localization in divided attention tasks, specifically comparing within-modality to cross-modality conditions pertaining to visual and auditory stimuli. This study will help clarify spatial attentional mechanisms for visual and auditory targets, and whether a demanding central task can impact localization of peripheral objects. Participants will be asked to verbally complete an orientation discrimination task while simultaneously localizing peripheral targets (auditory or visual) in one of the booths at the Multisensory Perception Lab in Elliot Hall (CATSS Lab) that contain multiple projector screens and speakers to display these stimuli. Participants will also fill out a consent form and demographic form as well as be assessed on visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and hearing status before the start of the experiment. Exclusion criteria include having any vision or hearing impairments or related disorders as well as being under the age of 18. The time commitment for this study in total should be from 90-120 minutes in a single session depending upon how many breaks the participant takes throughout the experiment. Participants will receive REP points or an online gift card ($10/hour) as compensation for participation. No direct risks or benefits from participation are expected from this study.

Delivery Format:

Live (in-person or remote)

Maximum number of sessions:

1

Maximum Time Commitment:

120 minutes

Maximum REP Point Award:

5

Requirements:

• 18 and over
• Normal (or corrected) vision
• Normal hearing