The Role of Loss in Value-Based Attentional Selection

The effect of positive value on visual search and behavior has been well studied and documented within the literature. Studies of value have discovered that learned value associations can imbue targets with salience. As a result, these value targets capture attention in a way similar to other salience-based mechanisms, such as color, movement and speed, and luminance. Previously, studies involving the study of value have focused on reward. However, this focus has left in a significant gap in knowledge regarding loss. Few existing studies have ventured into the realm of loss research, with conflicting results. The current study employed a new methodology that used a train and transfer format with an anti-saccade task rather than visual search, which may prove to be more applicable when considering loss. However, in two experiments, no effects of reward or loss were observed on antisaccade behavior. Theoretical and methological implications are discussed.