What cognitive concept suggests that visual features are processed independently before being integrated?

The correct response is grounded in the concept of feature integration theory, which was proposed by Anne Treisman. This theory posits that our visual system processes individual features — such as color, shape, and movement — separately in a preattentive stage before those features are combined into a unified perception of an object.

In the initial preattentive stage, these visual features are detected in parallel across the visual field without the need for focused attention. This allows for a quick and efficient process of identifying elements within the environment. After this stage, attention is necessary for integrating the features into a coherent perception. Essentially, the visual system first recognizes features independently, and only later do we perceive these features as part of a complete object.

This framework helps to explain how we can rapidly detect certain features in a scene, even if we are not consciously focusing on them. It also clarifies why certain visual tasks can become easier with practice, as our ability to integrate those features can improve when we learn to direct our attention effectively.