Varieties of attention in neutral trials: linking RT to ERPs and EEG frequencies

E.M.M. Jongen*, F.T.Y. Smulders, G.J.P. van Breukelen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

It is Often assumed that when a neutral cue is presented in a spatial cueing task, attention remains at fixation until target onset. We hypothesized that variance in nonspatial attention and switches of attention toward target locations can account for variance in reaction times of neutral trials. Lateralized event-related potentials (ERPs) and changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency bands served as predictor variables in a single-trial logistic regression analysis to predict the direction of spatial attention in cued and neutral trials. The contingent negative variation (CNV) and nonlateralized changes in the alpha hand served as markers of nonspatial attention. The direction of attention in cued trials was reliably predicted from single-trial lateralized ERP components. In neutral trials, only evidence for nonspatial attention was found, indicated by increases in the CNV and decreases in alpha preceding targets to which responses were relatively fast.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)113-125
JournalPsychophysiology
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2006

Cite this