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Multiple object tracking
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Psychology/duoqW7Sz">psychology</a> and <a href="/facts/Neuroscience/o5RV8Cas">neuroscience</a>, multiple object tracking (MOT) refers to the ability of humans and other animals to monitor multiple moving objects. It is also the term for certain laboratory techniques used to study this ability. </p><p>In an MOT study, several identical moving objects are presented on a display. Some of the objects are designated as targets while the rest serve as 'distractors'. The study participants try to monitor the changing positions of the targets as they and the distractors move about. At the end of the trial, typically the participants are asked to indicate the final positions of the targets. </p><p>The results of MOT experiments have revealed limitations on humans' ability to monitor multiple moving objects simultaneously. For example, awareness of features such as <a href="/facts/Color/XDvW7ESP">color</a> and shape is disrupted by the objects' movement. </p>