Reward history modulates perceptual load effects

The reward history of a stimulus can yield strong attentional selection biases. Indeed, capture be triggered by previously rewarded items which are neither salient nor relevant for the ongoing task, even when is clearly counter-productive to actually obtain outcome. Therefore, value-driven (VDAC) has been argued an automatic attention mechanism. Our study aimed at putting VDAC automaticity directly test. For this purpose, Load Theory offers comprehensive framework where distraction observed under low but not high perceptual load condition. Nevertheless, if indeed automatic, reward-stimuli should on both conditions. We used feature vs. conjunction discrimination go/no-go cue manipulate load. As expected, our results revealed that decreased interference produced low-reward distractor. However, effect was significant high-reward distractor, giving support automaticity. discussed in light literature and we strongly encourage consider along with determining capture.