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Irrelevant auditory attention shifts prime corresponding responses.
1University of Brussels (VUB), Cognitive and Physiological PsychologyVrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. wim.notebaert@vub.ac.be
Psychological Research
|April 10, 2003
Summary
Shifting attention to an auditory cue primes responses in its direction, influencing task performance. This study confirms attention shifts are essential for observing the Simon effect in reaction time tasks.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Factors
Background:
- The Simon effect, a common finding in reaction time tasks, occurs when response location influences performance.
- Investigating the role of attention shifts in modulating the Simon effect is crucial for understanding cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if attention shifts toward an auditory signal prime responses in the signal's direction.
- To examine the relationship between auditory attention shifts and the Simon effect under varying response-stimulus intervals (RSI).
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Participants performed a two-choice serial reaction time task, reacting to auditory pitch presented to either ear with short (50 ms) and long (1000 ms) RSIs.
- Experiment 2: Participants responded to a central visual stimulus while an auditory cue was presented to one ear, using a 2000 ms RSI.
Main Results:
- A Simon effect was observed for location alternations in the short RSI condition of Experiment 1.
- In the long RSI condition of Experiment 1, the Simon effect appeared for both location repetitions and alternations.
- Experiment 2 revealed a Simon effect linked to the accessory auditory stimulus.
Conclusions:
- Attention shifts are both necessary and sufficient for the occurrence of the Simon effect.
- Auditory cues can effectively direct attention and influence response selection in reaction time tasks.