Abstract

This paper critically ermines previous works on global and local information processing. Navon (1977,1991) proposed the principle of global precedence: Global information of hierarchically constructed stimuli is always processed faster than is local one. Subsequent studies have shown a variety of perceptual conditions which constrain global precedence and its opposite (local precedence). Attentional factors have also been found to be influential. Modes of precedence are shown to be modulated by stimulus characteristics such as number of elements, stimulus type g., Pomerantz, 1983), and stimulus attributes (Kim, 1990). Whereas some of recent works are concerned with nature of global / local processing, recent models do not seem to be specific enough to be predictive of precedence patterns. As of now, precedence research has some con ceptual, methodological, as well as theoretical limitations. To resolve these and other problems, precedence phenomena should be more anaytically approached with specific conceptual frameworks. A new perspective is proposed in regard to Gestalt tradition. Other related approaches are also considered in this paper.