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Published on: May 31, 2018
Cognitive processing effects on auditory event-related potentials and the evoked cardiac response
Carlie A Lawrence1, Robert J Barry
1Brain & Behaviour Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
Summary
This study explored cognitive load's impact on the evoked cardiac response (ECR) and event-related potentials (ERPs). Findings suggest distinct cardiac response components correlate with stimulus registration and cognitive processing load.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The evoked cardiac response (ECR) comprises heart rate deceleration (ECR1) and acceleration (ECR2).
- ECR1 is linked to stimulus registration, while ECR2 is hypothesized to reflect cognitive processing load.
- Investigating ECR and event-related potentials (ERPs) may reveal connections between autonomic and central nervous system (CNS) measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cognitive processing load on the ECR and auditory ERPs.
- To identify similarities between autonomic orienting reflex measures and ERP literature.
- To differentiate ECR components related to stimulus registration and cognitive load.
Main Methods:
- A within-subjects design was employed with 40 participants.
- Participants silently counted or ignored auditory stimuli (80dB, 1000Hz tones) with a long inter-stimulus interval (7-9s).
- ECR and auditory ERPs were recorded and analyzed under counting and ignoring conditions.
Main Results:
- The ECR demonstrated a significant effect of cognitive load (counting vs. ignoring).
- Subtracting the 'NoCount' from the 'Count' condition allowed separation of ECR1 and ECR2 components.
- Auditory ERPs showed expected N1 obligatory processing effects and significant cognitive load effects in the late positive complex (LPC).
Conclusions:
- Cognitive load significantly impacts the evoked cardiac response, allowing for the separation of its components.
- The study provides evidence supporting the connection between autonomic and central nervous system (ANS-CNS) activity during cognitive tasks.
- These findings warrant further investigation into ANS-CNS interactions in cognitive processing.
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