Effect of reference marks on the detection of signals on a clock face

Abstract

42 female Ss were employed in each of 3 studies undertaken to determine the effect of white marks on a black clock face on the detection of signals, consisting of brief pauses of the clock hand. The signals were presented at intervals ranging from 5-14 sec.; 0-30 marks were used. The addition of 1 mark reduced the percentage of missed signals to half that of the blank face (p <.01). Least signals were missed when they were near the white mark. Conclusions are the detection of a brief pause in a clock hand is improved by the addition of reference marks and there is a rapid decrease in detection of frequent signals as the run continues. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)