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Visual target detection paradigm for the study of selective attention
M H Tabert1, S Chokron, C Y Tang
1Neuroscience PET Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Box 1505, The Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA. taberm01@doc.mssm.edu
Brain Research. Brain Research Protocols
|November 22, 2000
Summary
This study details a protocol for examining selective attention using visual stimuli. The method captures behavioral and neuroimaging data in healthy individuals and schizophrenic patients to explore attentional processes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Experimental Psychology
Background:
- Selective attention is crucial for cognitive processing.
- Understanding attentional mechanisms is vital for neurological research, particularly in conditions like schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed protocol for assessing selective attention.
- To enable the collection of behavioral and functional neuroimaging data.
- To investigate hemispheric specialization in attentional processes.
Main Methods:
- A visual stimulus detection task with lateralized presentation.
- Manipulation of attentional load using target size and flanking stimuli.
- Recording of subject response accuracy and reaction times.
- Adaptation for functional neuroimaging using positron emission tomography (PET).
Main Results:
- The protocol effectively acquires behavioral data in healthy controls and schizophrenic patients.
- Functional neuroimaging data can be acquired in normal subjects.
- Lateralized stimulus presentation allows for the study of hemispheric specialization.
Conclusions:
- This protocol provides a robust method for studying selective attention.
- It is applicable to both behavioral and neuroimaging research.
- The findings contribute to understanding attentional mechanisms and their neural basis.