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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

Published on: July 16, 2015

A high-loaded hemisphere successfully ignores distractors.

Ritsuko Nishimura¹, Kazuhito Yoshizaki

¹Department of Psychology, Aichi Shukutoku University, Nagakute-cho, Aichi, Japan.

Consciousness and Cognition

|June 29, 2010

Summary

Distractors are successfully ignored when presented to a highly-loaded hemisphere, as demonstrated by a response competition paradigm. This finding suggests hemispheric load influences distractor rejection efficiency.

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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

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Published on: July 16, 2015

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Published on: August 29, 2018

Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Visual Perception

Background:

Attentional mechanisms are crucial for filtering irrelevant information.
Hemispheric processing load can impact cognitive control and distractor rejection.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if distractors are effectively rejected when presented to a hemisphere under high cognitive load.
To examine the influence of visual-field load and stimulus compatibility on distractor processing.

Main Methods:

A response competition paradigm was employed with right-handed participants.
Participants identified a target among letters while ignoring a distractor.
Distractor visual-field (low-load/high-load) and target-distractor compatibility were manipulated.

Main Results:

A compatibility effect was observed in the low-loaded visual-field but not in the high-loaded visual-field in Experiment 1 (left/right).
This modulation of the compatibility effect was not observed when manipulating the upper/lower visual-field in Experiment 2.

Conclusions:

Distractor rejection is enhanced when the distractor is presented to a highly-loaded hemisphere.
Hemispheric load plays a significant role in the effectiveness of ignoring distracting stimuli.