Blank characters in tachistoscopic recognition: Space has both a symbolic and a sensory role.

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Abstract
In a free-recall tachistoscopic task [in humans], increased letter spacing (e.g., CRYSTEMP vs. C R Y S T E M P) reduces the advantage of familiar pseudo-words over random letter strings. Two ways to introduce extra space between letters were compared. Using both a partial-report bar-probe task and a free-recall task, letter spacing was increased by spreading normally sized material over a wider visual angle, and by reducing the letter size while holding the retinal position constant. In free recall, the space between letters relative to their height controlled performance by altering the size of the familiarity effect. In the probe task accuracy of report depended on letter size, and the familiarity effect was independent of the size and spacing manipulations. In free-recall, the space between letters served as a blank character, but in the partial-report task, visual resolution controlled performance.

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