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Oculometric indicators of individual differences in preparatory control during the antisaccade task
Nash Unsworth1, Ashley L Miller1, Matthew K Robison2
1Department of Psychology, University of Oregon.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|November 28, 2022
Summary
Individual differences in attention control impact antisaccade task performance. Larger pupillary responses during preparation indicate better attention regulation, suggesting multifaceted factors influence this cognitive control task.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Attention Research
Background:
- The antisaccade task is a standard measure of cognitive control, requiring inhibition of a prepotent reflexive saccade and execution of a volitional saccade to the opposite side.
- Individual differences in performance on the antisaccade task are significant, but the underlying mechanisms, particularly related to attentional control during preparation, require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate individual differences in preparatory control during the antisaccade task.
- To examine the relationship between pupillary responses, fixation stability, and antisaccade performance.
- To explore the contribution of working memory capacity, off-task thinking, and motivation to antisaccade performance.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted utilizing the antisaccade task.
- Pupillary responses and fixation stability were measured during the preparatory delay phase.
- Correlational analyses were performed with working memory capacity, off-task thinking, and task-specific motivation.
Main Results:
- Individuals with higher antisaccade performance exhibited larger pupillary responses during the preparatory delay compared to lower performers.
- Fixation stability, working memory capacity, susceptibility to off-task thinking, and motivation were all correlated with antisaccade performance.
- Preparatory control and off-task thinking significantly mediated the relationship between working memory capacity and antisaccade performance.
Conclusions:
- Individual variations in antisaccade performance are influenced by differences in the ability to regulate attentional intensity during preparatory control.
- Antisaccade performance is a multifaceted construct, with preparatory control and off-task thinking playing critical roles.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay of cognitive factors contributing to executive functions and inhibitory control.
