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Examining the effects of caffeine during an auditory attention task
Tyler B Kruger1, Mike J Dixon1, Jonathan M Oakman1
1University of Waterloo, Department of Psychology, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
Caffeine gum improved performance on an attention task by reducing mind-wandering and increasing focus. Participants taking caffeine reported better mood and less mental effort, suggesting caffeine enhances attentional engagement.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Sustained attention is crucial for many tasks.
- Mind-wandering can impair cognitive performance.
- Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant with known cognitive effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of caffeine on attentional engagement during a sustained attention task.
- To examine caffeine's impact on mind-wandering and task performance.
Main Methods:
- Participants completed an auditory attention task in two sessions.
- One group received 200 mg of caffeinated chewing gum; a control group received placebo gum.
- Mind-wandering was assessed via intermittent thought probes.
Main Results:
- Caffeine group showed improved performance and fewer instances of mind-wandering.
- Participants receiving caffeine reported higher task engagement, positive affect, and arousal.
- Caffeine intake was associated with reduced boredom, sleepiness, and perceived mental effort.
Conclusions:
- Caffeine administration via chewing gum can enhance attentional engagement and performance.
- Caffeine may mitigate mind-wandering during sustained cognitive tasks.
- Caffeine positively influences subjective states like mood, arousal, and perceived effort.
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