Visual Attention and Goal Pursuit

TLDR

Mindset theory posits that a deliberative mindset is open to environmental information, while an implemental mindset filters information. The study tested whether this open versus closed mindset affects the breadth of visual attention. Researchers induced deliberative or implemental mindsets in three studies, measuring attention breadth with Müller‑Lyer length estimates in Studies 1–2 and eye‑tracking during scene perception in Study 3. Results showed that an implemental mindset narrows visual attention, leading participants to focus on foreground objects, whereas a deliberative mindset yields broader, more evenly distributed attention across scenes.

Abstract

Mindset theory suggests that a deliberative mindset entails openness to information in one’s environment, whereas an implemental mindset entails filtering of information. We hypothesized that this open- versus closed-mindedness influences individuals’ breadth of visual attention. In Studies 1 and 2, we induced an implemental or deliberative mindset, and measured breadth of attention using participants’ length estimates of x-winged Müller-Lyer figures. Both studies demonstrate a narrower breadth of attention in the implemental mindset than in the deliberative mindset. In Study 3, we manipulated participants’ mindsets and measured the breadth of attention by tracking eye movements during scene perception. Implemental mindset participants focused on foreground objects, whereas deliberative mindset participants attended more evenly to the entire scene. Our findings imply that deliberative versus implemental mindsets already operate at the level of visual attention.