The Nature and Nurture of Visual Search: Genetic Predispositions, Experiential Shaping, and the Catalyst of Artificial Intelligence

Draft version, [30/04/26]. This paper has not been peer reviewed.Visual search is a facet of visual perception that utilises several cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and inhibitory control. It is a fundamental ability present from birth, fostered through experience, and pivotal for healthy cognitive functioning. While these aspects are well established, the exact extent of “nature” versus “nurture” in visual search performance remains highly debatable. This review comprehensively examines biological predispositions against experiential factors to evaluate their relative contributions. The scope encompasses prenatal and biological factors, such as heritability and neurobiology - representing 'nature', alongside postnatal factors, such as training and societal exposure - representing 'nurture’. Furthermore, this paper utilises recent advancements in artificial intelligence as digital proxies to test these perspectives. Overall, the literature suggests that visual search is fundamentally built by 'nature' (which establishes biological constraints) and optimised by 'nurture', with deep learning models providing a novel framework to compare the indispensable contributions of both.