Role of coarse and fine spatial information in face and object processing

In 4 experiments the role of coarse (low-pass filtered) and fine (high-pass filtered) spatial information in guiding visual processing was studied in a same-different task. The second of a pair of sequential patterns was either a normal image or the first 100 ms was restricted to either coarse or fine information before a normal image was shown for the rest of the presentation. This 100-ms cue could be from the immediately succeeding image (relevant) or from other images in the set (irrelevant). Analysis of response times and errors showed relevant coarse- and fine-scale cues were usually equally effective, but any differences favored fine-scale versions. Irrelevant fine-scale cuing was significantly more disruptive than coarse-scale cuing. No evidence of preferential cuing by coarse-scale information occurred in any experiment.