Reachability Does Not Explain the Middle Preference: A Comment on Bar-Hillel (2015)

Article

Rodway, P., Schepman, A. and Thoma, V. 2016. Reachability Does Not Explain the Middle Preference: A Comment on Bar-Hillel (2015). i-Perception. 7 (2).
AuthorsRodway, P., Schepman, A. and Thoma, V.
Abstract

Choosing an object from an array of similar objects is a task that people complete frequently
throughout their lives (e.g., choosing a can of soup from many cans of soup). Research has also
demonstrated that items in the middle of an array or scene are looked at more often and are more
likely to be chosen. This middle preference is surprisingly robust and widespread, having been
found in a wide range of perceptual-motor tasks. In a recent review of the literature, Bar-Hillel
(2015) proposes, among other things, that the middle preference is largely explained by the middle
item being easier to reach, either physically or mentally. We specifically evaluate Bar-Hillel’s
reachability explanation for choice in non-interactive situations in light of evidence showing an
effect of item valence on such choices. This leads us to conclude that the center-stage heuristic
account is a more plausible explanation of the middle preference.

Journali-Perception
Journal citation7 (2)
ISSN2041-6695
Year2016
PublisherSAGE Publications
Publisher's version
License
CC BY
Web address (URL)http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2041669516639959
Publication dates
Print28 Mar 2016
Publication process dates
Deposited08 Apr 2016
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