Training detection of camouflaged targets in natural scenes: Backgrounds and targets both matter

As target-background similarity increases, search performance declines, but this pattern can be attenuated with training. In the present study we (1) characterized training and transfer effects in visual search for camouflaged targets in naturalistic scenes, (2) evaluated whether transfer effects are preserved 3 months after training, (3) tested the suitability of the perceptual learning hypothesis (i.e., using learned scene statistics to aid camouflaged target detection) for explaining camouflage search improvements over training, and (4) provide guidance for camouflage detection training in practice. Participants were assigned to one of three training groups: adaptive camouflage (difficulty varied by performance), massed camouflage (difficulty increased over time), or an active control (no camouflage), and trained over 14 sessions. Additional sessions measured transfer (immediately post training) and retention of training benefits (10 days and 3 months post training). Both the adaptive and massed training groups showed improved camouflaged target detection up to 3 months following training, relative to the control. These benefits were observed only with backgrounds and targets that were similar to those experienced during training and are broadly consistent with the perceptual learning hypothesis. In practice, training interventions should utilize stimuli similar to the operational environment in which detection is expected to occur.