<p>Selection history effects occur when visual search is facilitated after previous target features are repeated during subsequent searches relative to when target features switch with non-target distractor features. Selection history on visual search is likely due to a combination of feature activation (increased salience), bias in attentional decisions over target selection, and facilitated post-selection retrieval, and likely reflects both target activation and distractor suppression. The present study used a probe detection task within a standard priming of popout (PoP) visual search task to examine how target activation and distractor suppression influence attentional decisions to select a previous target’s features. PoP was observed in response times and importantly in recall of probes appearing on both color singleton targets and non-singleton distractors. Relative to baseline conditions, more probes were recalled from color singleton targets on color repeat trials, and fewer probes were recalled from targets on color switch trials; and more probes were recalled form the non-targets on switch trials than baseline trials. The results suggest that target activation and distractor suppression contribute to the attentional decision bias that arises due to selection history.</p>