Distractor is defined as a wrong choice in a selection test item. Moreover, Distractors are the alternatives on a multiple choice examination that are not correct or for which no credit is given.
In psychology, a distractor refers to any stimulus that distracts or takes away an individual's attention from the primary task. It is often used in the context of cognitive psychology, where researchers study how individuals process information and make decisions.
Some common examples of distractors in psychology experiments include:
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In visual search tasks, distractors are objects that are presented along with a target object, making it harder for participants to locate the target.
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In memory tasks, distractors may include irrelevant information or other stimuli that interfere with a participant's ability to recall specific information.
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In attention tasks, distractors can take the form of other stimuli, such as sounds or images, that divert a participant's attention away from the task at hand.
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In cognitive tests, distractors may include incorrect or irrelevant answer choices, which can make it more difficult for participants to select the correct response.
Overall, distractors are an important tool for researchers studying cognitive processes, as they help to isolate and understand the specific mechanisms underlying attention, memory, and decision-making.