Preattentive change detection using the event-related optical signal

The current study revealed right STG activation followed by IFG activation in response to temporal deviant events. The sequence and general time course of the activation pattern replicates our earlier findings for omission deviants, but with an SOA that was an order of magnitude larger. It also extends the findings to include early deviants, and thereby it strengthens claims about the spatial localization of the deviance response and the functional roles the STG and the IFG play in that response. Finally, the IFG activity elicited by the early deviants that preceded the STG activity suggests the IFG may play a dual role in preattentive change detection. Future EROS studies using parametric modulations of deviance magnitude will help to provide more information about the functional role of IFG in preattentive change detection.