Value-Driven Crossmodal Spatial Attention: The Role of Perceptual Load

Abstract

Reward-associated stimuli capture attention in a value-driven manner, interfering with multisensory integration. This study investigated the mechanisms of value-driven crossmodal attention and the moderating role of perceptual load using the spatial ventriloquism effect. Across two experiments, participants localized target sounds—defined by frequency (low load) or frequency and duration (high load)—while ignoring reward-linked visual distractors. Experiment 1 employed a binaural localization task with peripheral distractors, whereas Experiment 2 used a continuous localization task with distractors positioned near auditory targets. High-value distractors successfully captured crossmodal attention, producing slower reaction times and stronger spatial bias toward visual locations. Crucially, perceptual load effects were modulated by spatial configuration: increasing load reduced visual interference when distractors were peripheral (Experiment 1) but intensified interference when distractors were colocated with targets (Experiment 2). Notably, load did not affect localization accuracy. These findings demonstrate that value-driven crossmodal processing is jointly shaped by spatial relationships between modalities and cognitive demands, offering insights into how specific perceptual load conditions constrain selective attention during multisensory integration. Given the sample size limitations of this study, these results should be interpreted cautiously pending future replication.