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Early reduction of sensory processing within the visual cortex when switching from internal to external attention
Sam Verschooren1, Sebastian Schindler2, Rudi De Raedt3
1Cognitive & Affective Psychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Biological Psychology
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Switching attention between external and internal tasks creates an early processing bottleneck. This bottleneck is more pronounced when shifting from internal memory to external perception, impacting cognitive control.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- The neurocognitive mechanisms of attention switching between external (perception) and internal (memory) tasks are not well understood.
- Previous studies indicate similar processing costs for within-domain and between-domain attention switches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiological correlates of attention switching between internal and external tasks using EEG.
- To determine if different types of attention switches have distinct neural signatures.
Main Methods:
- Recorded 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) data from participants performing within-domain and between-domain attention switches.
- Analyzed event-related potentials (ERPs) to identify neural markers of attention switching.
Main Results:
- A significant P1 attenuation in early sensory processing was observed for both within- and between-domain switches, indicating an early processing bottleneck.
- The P1 attenuation was more pronounced when switching from internal (memory) to external (perception) tasks compared to switching between external tasks.
- This suggests differential top-down control requirements for different types of attention switches.
Conclusions:
- Attention switching involves an early gating mechanism that affects sensory processing.
- The findings support the hypothesis of distinct top-down regulatory processes for internal versus external attention shifts.
- This research contributes to understanding the neurocognitive basis of attentional control and cognitive flexibility.
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