Diffusion models of the flanker task: discrete versus gradual attentional selection

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• The flanker task is a common paradigm for studying selective attention.
• Existing models often struggle to account for complex attentional dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test diffusion models of processing within the flanker task.
• To compare single- and dual-process models against empirical data.

Main Methods:

• Implemented single- and dual-process flanker models in a diffusion-model framework.
• Tested models against experimental data manipulating response bias, speed/accuracy, and stimulus configuration.

Main Results:

• All models mimicked standard condition data.
• A single-process spotlight model uniquely captured complex condition patterns.
• The single-process model offered superior fit quality and parsimony.

Conclusions:

• Processing in simple flanker tasks is better described by gradual attentional narrowing.
• A single-process spotlight model provides a more robust explanation for flanker task performance.