Visual discrimination thresholds for one- and two-dimensional Markov spatial constraints

Forced-choice discrimination thresholds were obtained for visual displays of a large number (1,000-3,600) of binary encoded elements with one- and two-dimensional Markov spatial constraints. Several factors which delimit such thresholds were explored. The primary determinant of sensitivity was the number of constrained elements within the display. Configurational features, such as the shape of the display have little influence on sensitivity. Thresholds for one-dimensional spatial constraints were consistently lower than for two-dimensional spatial constraints.