The visual field is not homogenous: behavioural and neuroimaging findings demonstrate structural and functional differences across different parts of the visual field. For example, classic findings have reported a left visual field bias (related to a right hemispheric advantage) for global processing. However, it remains to be tested whether this extends to higher-order visual processing such as scene gist extraction which also involves global image properties.
Across multiple behavioural studies, we test for visual field biases for scene gist perception. As well as differences between the left and right visual fields, we also consider upper and lower hemifield advantages, which might correspond to specialisations of visual processing areas particularly the scene processing network. Finally, we consider the possible limits of simultaneous monitoring of multiple scene categories, which is reflected by asymmetrical performance with different cue positions. By interrogating the implications of these classical findings, we aim to shed light on how complex processes intertwine to subserve visual scene understanding.
Coming soon.