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Related Experiment Videos

Hemispheric performance in object-based attention.

Monica A Valsangkar-Smyth1, Christa-Lynn Donovan, Scott Sinnett

  • 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|May 1, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This study investigated object-based attention across brain hemispheres. Findings indicate the right hemisphere, not the left, is preferentially biased for object-based attention, challenging prior research.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Previous research suggested object-based attention is left-hemisphere lateralized.
  • Some studies questioned the purity of object-based attention measures in prior work.
  • Object-based attention is a specialized form of orienting supported by lateralized brain mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate hemispheric differences in object-based attention.
  • To clarify the role of each cerebral hemisphere in processing object-based attention.

Main Methods:

  • Modified Duncan's (1984) object-based attention paradigm.
  • Presented one-object, two-object unilateral, and two-object bilateral displays.
  • Manipulated stimulus distance, used nonspatial attributes for selection, and employed overlapping displays to ensure pure object-based attention measures.

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Main Results:

  • Response accuracy was higher for one-object displays than two-object displays across all experiments.
  • An object-based cost was most severe when two target elements were in the right visual field (processed by the left hemisphere).
  • Contrary to previous findings, the right hemisphere showed a preferential bias for committing object-based attention.

Conclusions:

  • Object-based attention is subserved by lateralized cortical brain mechanisms.
  • The right hemisphere, not the left, is preferentially biased for object-based attention.
  • This study provides novel insights into hemispheric specialization for attention.