Abstract:

Oculomotor inhibition of return (IOR) refers to delayed saccadic latency and decreased fixation duration to probe targets presented at the previously fixated locations or objects compared to the novel ones. Recently many studies have focused on the phenomenon of oculomotor inhibition of return during scene search. The present article introduced the experimental paradigms, classical findings of oculomotor inhibition of return during scene search and the theoretical explanations for them. In addition, the controversial issues in the following areas were involved: capacities of oculomotor inhibition of return, whether IOR is specific to the visual search, and whether IOR is a foraging facilitator. We also discussed the neural bases underlying IOR. Finally, the article summarized controversial issues in previous studies and pointed out the directions and methods for future research.

Key words: real-world scene, visual search, oculomotor inhibition of return