Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Arryn Robbins
Abstract
This research investigates how individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) process category information and adapt to changing visual environments during search tasks. Drawing on Enhanced Perceptual Functioning and Weak Central Coherence theories, the study examines whether individuals with ASD rely more on detailed, exemplar-based templates compared to neurotypical individuals. Two experiments manipulated category-color associations within real-world scene contexts using match and mismatch conditions to assess visual search efficiency and cognitive flexibility. While no statistically significant group differences were found, a trending effect suggested that neurotypical participants may engage in more scene-based processing. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence indicating that individuals with ASD may favor precise feature-based strategies over generalizable category representations.
Recommended Citation
Ovalle, Carmen, "Adaptation Challenges in Scene-Specific Visual Search for Individuals with ASD" (2025). Honors Theses. 1850.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1850
