Multiple Object Tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? Let us know.

What is MOT?

A selective attention task to track multiple moving targets among distractors.

How to perform the task?

Remember highlighted targets, follow them while moving, then select them after they stop.

What does load mean?

The number of targets to track (e.g., 2–4). Higher load is more difficult.

How is accuracy calculated?

Hits divided by the maximum possible hits for each load, reported as a percentage.

Show Details

Implementation

Implemented with DOM elements updated on a fixed 100 ms timer (not Canvas). Balls follow preset smooth trajectories (circles, ellipses, figure-eights, waves, Lissajous curves), not random motion. Targets flash yellow for 2 s before movement; during movement and selection all balls share the same color. Users select targets from memory after movement stops.

Metrics

Accuracy: The proportion of correctly selected targets out of the total number of targets. Response Time: The time taken from the stop of movement to the completion of all selections.

References

Pylyshyn, Z. W., & Storm, R. W. (1988). Tracking multiple independent targets: Evidence for a parallel tracking mechanism. Spatial Vision, 3(3), 179-197. 10.1163/156856888X00122
Cavanagh, P., & Alvarez, G. A. (2005). Tracking multiple targets with multifocal attention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 9(7), 349-354. 10.1016/j.tics.2005.05.009
Alvarez, G. A., & Franconeri, S. L. (2007). How many objects can you track? Evidence for a resource-limited attentive tracking mechanism. Journal of Vision, 7(13), 14. 10.1167/7.13.14

Related Experiments

Dot Probe Task

Featured

Investigates attentional bias towards emotional stimuli.

Start

Attentional Blink

Featured

Reflects processing limitations when two targets appear in close succession in a rapid serial visual presentation.

Start

Inhibition of Return (IOR)

Featured

Measures how attention is inhibited from returning to a previously attended location.

Start

Learn More

APM Test - Actions Per Minute

Featured

Measure your clicking speed and visual reaction time. Click numbers from 50 to 1 as fast as possible!

Start

Free IQ Test

Featured

Test your intelligence quotient with this free IQ test covering pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and spatial skills.

Start

Cognitive Processing and Performance Mindset Scale

Featured

Assess cognitive processing and performance mindset across standard dimensions.

Start

About This Experiment

This experiment is an educational adaptation for demonstration purposes. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Results reflect your performance in this specific session and should not be interpreted as an assessment of your cognitive abilities.

Data Privacy

Your experiment data is processed and stored locally in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server unless you explicitly export it.