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Bedi A, Russell PN, Helton WS. Perceptual decoupling in the sustained attention to response task is unlikely. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:2033-2040. [PMID: 38958722 PMCID: PMC11252176 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Researchers dispute the cause of errors in high Go, low No Go target detection tasks, like the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Some researchers propose errors in the SART are due to perceptual decoupling, where a participant is unaware of stimulus identity. This lack of external awareness causes an erroneous response. Other researchers suggest the majority of the errors in the SART are instead due to response leniency, not perceptual decoupling. Response delays may enable a participant who is initially unaware of stimulus identity, perceptually decoupled, to become aware of stimulus identity, or perceptually recoupled. If, however, the stimulus presentation time is shortened to the minimum necessary for stimulus recognition and the stimulus is disrupted with a structured mask, then there should be no time to enable perception to recouple even with a response delay. From the perceptual decoupling perspective, there should be no impact of a response delay on performance in this case. Alternatively if response bias is critical, then even in this case a response delay may impact performance. In this study, we shortened stimulus presentation time and added a structured mask. We examined whether a response delay impacted performance in the SART and tasks where the SART's response format was reversed. We expected a response delay would only impact signal detection theory bias, c, in the SART, where response leniency is an issue. In the reverse formatted SART, since bias was not expected to be lenient, we expected no impact or minimal impact of a response delay on response bias. These predictions were verified. Response bias is more critical in understanding SART performance, than perceptual decoupling, which is rare if it occurs at all in the SART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Bedi
- University of Canterbury, Chirstchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - William S Helton
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, 3F5, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
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Mathews NK, Bin Faiz U, Brosowsky NP. How Do You Know If You Were Mind Wandering? Dissociating Explicit Memories of Off Task Thought From Subjective Feelings of Inattention. Open Mind (Camb) 2024; 8:666-687. [PMID: 38828433 PMCID: PMC11142633 DOI: 10.1162/opmi_a_00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mind wandering is a common experience in which your attention drifts away from the task at hand and toward task-unrelated thoughts. To measure mind wandering we typically use experience sampling and retrospective self-reports, which require participants to make metacognitive judgments about their immediately preceding attentional states. In the current study, we aimed to better understand how people come to make such judgments by introducing a novel distinction between explicit memories of off task thought and subjective feelings of inattention. Across two preregistered experiments, we found that participants often indicated they were "off task" and yet had no memory of the content of their thoughts-though, they were less common than remembered experiences. Critically, remembered experiences of mind wandering and subjective feelings of inattention differed in their behavioral correlates. In Experiment 1, we found that only the frequency of remembered mind wandering varied with task demands. In contrast, only subjective feelings of inattention were associated with poor performance (Experiments 1 and 2) and individual differences in executive functioning (Experiment 2). These results suggest that the phenomenology of mind wandering may differ depending on how the experiences are brought about (e.g., executive functioning errors versus excess attentional resources), and provide preliminary evidence of the importance of measuring subjective feelings of inattention when assessing mind wandering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan K. Mathews
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Umer Bin Faiz
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Mensen JM, Holland SB, Helton WS, Shaw TH, Peterson MS. Prolonging the Response Movement Reduces Commission Errors in a High-Go, Low-No-Go Target Detection Task and Composite Metrics of Performance Miss This Effect. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:1118-1131. [PMID: 36124873 DOI: 10.1177/00187208221127945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Expand research on the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) to a more applied agricultural target detection/selection task and examine the utility of various performance metrics, including composite measures of speed and accuracy, in a High-Go/Low-No-Go stimuli task. BACKGROUND Modified SARTs have been utilized to investigate mechanisms, such as failures of response inhibition, occurring in friendly fire and collateral damage incidents. Researchers have demonstrated that composite measures of speed and accuracy are useful for Low Go/High No-Go stimuli tasks, but this has not been demonstrated for High-Go/Low-No-Go tasks, such as the SART. METHOD Participants performed a modified SART, where they selected ("sprayed") images of weeds (Go stimuli) that appeared on a computer screen, while withholding to rarer soybean plant images (No-Go stimuli). RESULTS Response time was a function of distance from a central starting point. Participants committed commission errors (sprayed the soybeans) at a significantly higher rate when the stimuli appeared under the cursor centered on the screen for each trial. Participant's omission errors (failure to spray a weed) increased significantly as a function of distance. The composite measures examined were primarily influenced by response time and omission errors limiting their utility when commission errors are of particular interest. CONCLUSION Participants are far more accurate in their decision making when required to execute a longer duration motor task in High-Go/Low-No-Go experiments. APPLICATION Demonstrates a serious human factors liability of target detection and snap-to-target systems.
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Bedi A, Russell PN, Helton WS. Perceptual decoupling or trigger happiness: the effect of response delays and shorter presentation times on a go-no-go task with a high go prevalence. Exp Brain Res 2024:10.1007/s00221-024-06799-7. [PMID: 38448673 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
In the current investigation, we modified the high Go, low No-Go Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Some researchers argue a commission error, an inappropriate response to a No-Go stimulus, in the SART is due to the participant being inattentive, or perceptually decoupled, during stimulus onset. Response delays in the SART reduce commission errors. A response delay may therefore enable a participant who is initially inattentive to recouple their attention in time to appropriately perceive the stimulus and withhold a response to a No-Go stimulus. However, shortening stimulus display duration in the SART should limit the possibility of the participant identifying the stimulus later, if they are initially not attending the stimulus. A response delay should not reduce commission errors if stimulus duration is kept to the minimum duration enabling stimulus recognition. In two experiments, we shortened stimulus onset to offset duration and added response delays of varying lengths. In both experiments, even when stimulus duration was shortened, response delays notably reduced commission errors if the delay was greater than 250 ms. In addition, using the Signal Detection Theory perspective in which errors of commission in the SART are due to a lenient response bias-trigger happiness, we predicted that response delays would result in a shift to a more conservative response bias in both experiments. These predictions were verified. The errors of commission in the SART may not be a measures of conscious awareness per se, but instead indicative of the level of participant trigger happiness-a lenient response bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Bedi
- University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - William S Helton
- University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, 3F5, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
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Dang JA, Shaw TH, McKnight PE, Helton WS. A Closer Look at Warning Cues on the Sustained Attention to Response Task Performance. HUMAN FACTORS 2023; 65:1793-1803. [PMID: 35089114 DOI: 10.1177/00187208211060708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of auditory cues of varying reliability levels on response inhibition performance using a target detection task to determine if external cues offer performance benefits. Further, we examined how the slope of the speed accuracy trade-off changes as a function of auditory cue reliability and used the trade-off to understand where any performance gains may be realized. BACKGROUND Researchers have proposed that the sustained attention to response task (SART) can be used to study the mechanisms causing failures of response inhibition. External cues may mitigate the results of motor inhibition failure. The extent to which external cues can effectively aid performance depends on the level of cue reliability. METHOD Ninety-one participants performed three SARTs with auditory cue assistance at three different levels of reliability (i.e. 0%, 60% and 100% reliable at cueing imminent No-Go stimuli). RESULTS We observed fewer errors of commission and faster reaction time in conditions with higher cue reliability. The slope of speed-accuracy trade-off relationship was impacted by cue reliability and was not a simple linear function. CONCLUSION Reliable auditory cues aid performance by reducing reaction time and errors of commission. Auditory cues also impact the relationship between speed and accuracy trade-off. APPLICATION Insights of cue effectiveness at different reliability levels help people make informed decisions in developing automation interfaces or sensors based on expected performance. Reliable cues mitigate the risk of impulsive errors; however, the reliability has to be high to have a noticeable impact on the speed-accuracy trade-off.
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Harwood AE, Satterfield K, Helton WS, McKnight PE, Shaw TH. The Role of State and Trait Self-Control on the Sustained Attention to Response Task. HUMAN FACTORS 2023:187208231209151. [PMID: 37956865 DOI: 10.1177/00187208231209151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the plausibility of self-control depletion, or ego-depletion, as the underlying cognitive resource responsible for performance decrements on the sustained attention to response task. BACKGROUND Researchers suggested that self-control is a limited cognitive resource used to complete a myriad of processes, including sustained attention. Past research showed that trait self-control affects some sustained attention tasks. However, little research has investigated the effect of self-control as a limited cognitive resource that varies over time (i.e., as a state-dependent variable). METHODS This experiment investigated the effect of self-control (trait and state) on a sustained motor-inhibition task (e.g., sustained attention to response task; SART). State self-control was manipulated using a between-subjects design-participants in the experimental condition completed a task designed to deplete state self-control prior to performing the SART while the control condition completed a modified version that did not deplete self-control. RESULTS Trait self-control predicted performance on the SART, but the depletion task (state self-control) had no detectable effect. CONCLUSION Given the evidence, it is unlikely that state self-control plays a causal role in performance decrements in the SART, but there appears to be some association between performance on the SART and trait self-control. APPLICATION Trait self-control ought to be considered in future work for personnel selection in real-world tasks that the SART models such as long-distance driving, air traffic control, and TSA operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Harwood
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
- Northrop Grumman Corporation, Sterling, VA, USA
| | - Kelly Satterfield
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
- Transportation Research Center, East Liberty, OH, USA
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Lee HH, Chen ZL, Yeh SL, Hsiao JH, Wu AY(A. When Eyes Wander Around: Mind-Wandering as Revealed by Eye Movement Analysis with Hidden Markov Models. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:7569. [PMID: 34833644 PMCID: PMC8622810 DOI: 10.3390/s21227569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mind-wandering has been shown to largely influence our learning efficiency, especially in the digital and distracting era nowadays. Detecting mind-wandering thus becomes imperative in educational scenarios. Here, we used a wearable eye-tracker to record eye movements during the sustained attention to response task. Eye movement analysis with hidden Markov models (EMHMM), which takes both spatial and temporal eye-movement information into account, was used to examine if participants' eye movement patterns can differentiate between the states of focused attention and mind-wandering. Two representative eye movement patterns were discovered through clustering using EMHMM: centralized and distributed patterns. Results showed that participants with the centralized pattern had better performance on detecting targets and rated themselves as more focused than those with the distributed pattern. This study indicates that distinct eye movement patterns are associated with different attentional states (focused attention vs. mind-wandering) and demonstrates a novel approach in using EMHMM to study attention. Moreover, this study provides a potential approach to capture the mind-wandering state in the classroom without interrupting the ongoing learning behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Hao Lee
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Zih-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10051, Taiwan;
| | - Su-Ling Yeh
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10051, Taiwan;
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
- Center for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Robotics, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
- Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Janet Huiwen Hsiao
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong;
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - An-Yeu (Andy) Wu
- Graduate Institute of Electronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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Mensen JM, Dang JS, Stets AJ, Helton WS. The effects of real-time performance feedback and performance emphasis on the sustained attention to response task (SART). PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2021; 86:1972-1979. [PMID: 34623490 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-021-01602-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The sustained attention to response task (SART) has been used for over 20 years to assess participants' response times and inability to withhold to No-Go stimuli (commission errors). While there is debate in the literature regarding what causes commissions errors in the SART, there is agreement the SART is subject to a speed-accuracy trade-off (SATO). Researchers have demonstrated that performance on the SART can be influenced by directive instructions to participants to prioritize either speed or accuracy during the task. In the present study, we investigated whether real-time performance feedback and whether feedback emphasis (emphasizing speed or accuracy) affected participants' response times and accuracy. We found performance feedback per se had no impact on performance, but performance emphasis did affect performance, apparently shifting the SATO. This finding provides further evidence that the commission errors in the SART are not indicative of sustained attention or vigilance as those terms are commonly used in the literature, but more likely assess response strategy and motor control (or lack of motor control). These findings have implications for the psychological assessment literature, as well as applied areas where SART findings have been utilized such as shoot/no-shoot decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Mensen
- George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
| | - Jasmine S Dang
- George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Andrew J Stets
- George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - William S Helton
- George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
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Head J, Tenan MS, Tweedell AJ, Wilson KM, Helton WS. Response Complexity Reduces Errors on a Response Inhibition Task. HUMAN FACTORS 2020; 62:787-799. [PMID: 31237776 DOI: 10.1177/0018720819852801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the role of button-response complexity to targets in a response inhibition task. BACKGROUND Response inhibition is the ability to correctly inhibit an overt response to a target. The U.S. military is actively pursuing development of armed, combat robots as a force multiplier, which may present challenges to operators of combat robots in the form of response inhibition errors. METHOD A total of 15 participants completed two 51-min versions of a modified sustained attention to response task (SART). Participants were outfitted with an electrocardiogram to index heart-rate variability and completed the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) to index workload. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the complex SART reduced errors of commission (4%) and slowed response times (874 ms) to correct Go targets relative to the simple SART (14%, 739 ms). The NASA-TLX did not show differences between the modified SARTs; however, heart-rate variability did demonstrate that Soldiers had an increased autonomic stress response to the complex SART. CONCLUSION Increasing the behavioral response requirement during a response inhibition task can decrease errors of commission; however, it comes at the cost of slower response times to target stimuli. Heart-rate variability may provide better insight into objective workload relative to subjective measures. APPLICATION The use of complex behavioral responses may provide a viable option to reduce potential "friendly fire" or collateral damage by Soldiers remotely engaging a target-rich environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Head
- 207132 U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew S Tenan
- 207132 U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Kyle M Wilson
- Seeing Machines, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Munnik A, Näswall K, Woodward G, Helton WS. The quick and the dead: A paradigm for studying friendly fire. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 84:103032. [PMID: 31987515 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.103032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) is a computer based Go-No-Go response task. Participants respond to frequently occurring neutral stimuli and withhold responses to rare target stimuli. Researchers have suggested the inhibition demands of the SART may mirror those which occur in some firearm accidents. Participants in the present experiment used a simulated nonlethal weapon to subdue threats (images of people holding guns) on large screens. Participants completed a target rich task (high Go low No-Go, like a SART), a target sparse task (low Go/high No-Go), a verbal recall task, and dual versions of the target rich and target sparse tasks with the verbal recall task as the secondary task. Results provided further evidence that some accidental shootings may result from failures of response inhibition and that additional cognitive load is detrimental to overall performance. Future studies should explore the role of response inhibition in realistic firearm scenarios.
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Detecting Mind-Wandering from Eye Movement and Oculomotor Data during Learning Video Lecture. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/educsci10030051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to detect mind-wandering experienced by pre-service teachers during a video learning lecture on physics. The lecture was videotaped and consisted of a live lecture in a classroom. The lecture was about Gauss's law on physics. We investigated whether oculomotor data and eye movements could be used as a marker to indicate the learner’s mind-wandering. Each data was collected in a study in which 24 pre-service teachers (16 females and 8 males) reported mind-wandering experience through self-caught method while learning physics video lecture during 30 minutes. A Tobii Pro Spectrum (sampling rate: 300 Hz) was used to capture their eye-gaze during learning Gauss's law through a course video. After watching the video lecture, we interviewed pre-service teachers about their mind-wandering experience. We first used the self-caught method to capture the mind-wandering timing of pre-service teachers while learning from video lectures. We detected more accurate mind-wandering segments by comparing fixation duration and saccade count. We investigated two types of oculomotor data (blink count, pupil size) and nine eye movements (average peak velocity of saccades; maximum peak velocity of saccades; standard deviation of peak velocity of saccades; average amplitude of saccades; maximum amplitude of saccades; total amplitude of saccades; saccade count/s; fixation duration; fixation dispersion). The result was that the blink count could not be used as a marker for mind-wandering during learning video lectures among them (oculomotor data and eye movements), unlike previous literatures. Based on the results of this study, we identified elements that can be used as mind-wandering markers while learning from video lectures that are similar to real classes, among the oculomotor data and eye movement mentioned in previous literatures. Additionally, we found that most participants focused on past thoughts and felt unpleasant after experiencing mind-wandering through interview analysis.
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Vinckenbosch FRJ, Vermeeren A, Verster JC, Ramaekers JG, Vuurman EF. Validating lane drifts as a predictive measure of drug or sleepiness induced driving impairment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:877-886. [PMID: 31897572 PMCID: PMC7036056 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) has been accepted as a reliable parameter for measuring driving impairment due to lowered vigilance caused by sleepiness or the use of sedating drugs. Recently, lane drifts were proposed as an additional outcome measure quantifying momentary lapses of attention. The purpose of this study was to validate lane drifts as outcome measure of driver impairment in a large data pool from two independent research centers. METHODS Data from 11 placebo-controlled studies that assessed the impact of alcohol, hypnotics, and sleep deprivation on actual driving performance were pooled. In total, 717 on-the-road tests performed by 315 drivers were subjected to an automated algorithm to detect occurrences of lane drifts. Lane drifts were defined as deviations > 100 cm from the mean (LDmlp) and from the absolute lateral position (LDalp) for 8 s. RESULTS The number of LDmlp was low and did not differ between treatments and baseline, i.e., 14 vs. 3 events, respectively. LDalp were frequent and significantly higher during treatment relative to baseline, i.e., 1646 vs. 470 events. The correlation between LDalp and SDLP in the treatment conditions was very high (rs = 0.77). The frequency of the occurrence of treatment-induced lane drifts however depended on baseline SDLP of drivers, whereas treatment-induced changes in SDLP occurred independent of baseline SDLP. CONCLUSION LDmlp is not useful as an outcome measure of driver impairment due to its rare occurrence, even when treatment-induced increments in SDLP are evident. Treatment effects on LDalp and SDLP are closely related.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. R. J. Vinckenbosch
- Department of neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A. Vermeeren
- Department of neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J. C. Verster
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J. G. Ramaekers
- Department of neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E. F. Vuurman
- Department of neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Denkova E, Brudner EG, Zayan K, Dunn J, Jha AP. Attenuated Face Processing during Mind Wandering. J Cogn Neurosci 2018; 30:1691-1703. [DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Mind wandering (MW) has been recently investigated in many studies. It has been suggested that, during MW, processing of perceptual stimuli is attenuated in favor of internal thoughts, a phenomenon referred to as perceptual decoupling. Perceptual decoupling has been investigated in ERP studies, which have used relatively simple perceptual stimuli, yet it remains unclear if MW can impact the perceptual processing of complex stimuli with real-world relevance. Here, we investigated the impact of MW on behavioral and neural responses to faces. Thirty-six participants completed a novel sustained attention to response task with faces. They were asked to respond to upright faces (nontargets) and withhold responses to inverted faces (targets) and to report intermittently if they were “On task” or “Off task.” Behavioral analyses revealed greater intraindividual coefficient of variation for nontarget faces preceding Off task versus On task. ERP analyses focused primarily on the N170 component associated with face processing but also included the P1 and P3 components. The results revealed attenuated amplitudes to nontarget faces preceding Off task versus On task for the N170, but not for the P3 or P1. These findings suggest decoupled visual processing of faces during MW, which has implications for social neuroscience research.
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You are measuring the decision to be fast, not inattention: the Sustained Attention to Response Task does not measure sustained attention. Exp Brain Res 2018; 236:2255-2262. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Arabacı G, Parris BA. Probe-caught spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering in relation to self-reported inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive traits in adults. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4113. [PMID: 29515142 PMCID: PMC5841345 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has revealed a positive relationship between types of mind wandering and ADHD at clinical and subclinical levels. However, this work did not consider the relationship between mind wandering and the core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Given that the DMS-V attributes mind wandering to inattention only, and that only inattention is thought to result from impairment to the executive function linked to mind wandering, the present research sought to examine this relationship in 80 undiagnosed adults. Using both standard and easy versions of the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) we measured both spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering. We found that spontaneous mind wandering was related to self-reported inattentive traits when the task was cognitively more challenging (standard SART). However, hyperactive and impulsive traits were related to spontaneous mind wandering independent of task difficulty. The results suggest inattentive traits are not uniquely related to mind wandering; indeed, adults with hyperactive/impulsive traits were more likely to experience mind wandering, suggesting that mind wandering might not be useful diagnostic criteria for inattention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Arabacı
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
| | - Benjamin A Parris
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
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Albert DA, Ouimet MC, Jarret J, Cloutier MS, Paquette M, Badeau N, Brown TG. Linking mind wandering tendency to risky driving in young male drivers. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 111:125-132. [PMID: 29197692 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Risky driving is a significant contributor to road traffic crashes, especially in young drivers. Transient mind wandering states, an internal form of distraction, are associated with faster driving, reduced headway distance, slower response times, reduced driver vigilance, and increased crash risk. It is unclear whether a trait tendency to mind wander predicts risky driving, however. Mind wandering is also associated with poor executive control, but whether this capacity moderates the putative link between mind wandering tendency and risky driving is uncertain. The present study tested whether mind wandering tendency predicts risky driving behaviour in young male drivers aged 18-21 (N=30) and whether this relationship is mediated by driver vigilance and moderated by executive control capacity. Mind wandering was measured with the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) and the Daydreaming Frequency Scale (DDFS). Risky driving was assessed by mean speed in a driving simulator and driver vigilance was quantified by horizontal eye movements measured with eye tracking. Results showed that greater mind wandering tendency based on SART performance significantly predicts faster mean speed, confirming the main hypothesis. Neither driver vigilance mediated nor executive control capacity moderated this relationship as hypothesized. These findings speak to the complexity of individual differences in mind wandering. Overall, mind wandering tendency is a significant marker of risky driving in young drivers, which could guide the development of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek A Albert
- McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada; Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC, J4K 0A8, Canada; Douglas Hospital Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Verdun, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Marie Claude Ouimet
- Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC, J4K 0A8, Canada
| | - Julien Jarret
- Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marie-Soleil Cloutier
- Centre Ubanisation Culture Société, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, 385 Sherbrooke Street East, Montreal, QC, H2X 1E3, Canada
| | - Martin Paquette
- Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC, J4K 0A8, Canada
| | - Nancy Badeau
- Ville de Montréal, 801 Brennan Street, Montreal, QC, H3C 0G4, Canada
| | - Thomas G Brown
- McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada; Douglas Hospital Research Centre, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Verdun, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
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Wilson KM, de Joux NR, Finkbeiner KM, Russell PN, Retzler JR, Helton WS. Prolonging the response movement inhibits the feed-forward motor program in the sustained attention to response task. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2018; 183:75-84. [PMID: 29351864 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite widespread use in clinical and experimental contexts, debate continues over whether or not the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) successfully measures sustained attention. Altering physical aspects of the response movement required to SART stimuli may help identify whether performance is a better measure of perceptual decoupling, or response strategies and motor inhibition. Participants completed a SART where they had to manually move a mouse cursor to respond to stimuli, and another SART where this extra movement was not required, as in a typical SART. Additionally, stimuli were located at either a close or a far distance away. Commission errors were inversely related to distance in the manual movement condition, as the farther distance led to longer response times which gave participants more time to inhibit prepotent responses and thus prevent commission errors. Self-reported measures of mental demand and fatigue suggested there were no differences in mental demands between the manual and automatic condition; instead the differences were primarily in physical demands. No differences were found for task-unrelated thoughts between the manual and automatic condition. The movement effect combined with participants' subjective reports are evidence for time dependent action stopping, not greater cognitive engagement. These findings support a response strategy perspective as opposed to a perceptual decoupling perspective, and have implications for authors considering using the SART. Applied implications of this research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Wilson
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom.
| | - Neil R de Joux
- Department of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul N Russell
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jenny R Retzler
- York Health Economics Consortium, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - William S Helton
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Head J, Tenan MS, Tweedell AJ, LaFiandra ME, Morelli F, Wilson KM, Ortega SV, Helton WS. Prior Mental Fatigue Impairs Marksmanship Decision Performance. Front Physiol 2017; 8:680. [PMID: 28951724 PMCID: PMC5599781 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Mental fatigue has been shown to impair subsequent physical performance in continuous and discontinuous exercise. However, its influence on subsequent fine-motor performance in an applied setting (e.g., marksmanship for trained soldiers) is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether prior mental fatigue influences subsequent marksmanship performance as measured by shooting accuracy and judgment of soldiers in a live-fire scenario. Methods: Twenty trained infantry soldiers engaged targets after completing either a mental fatigue or control intervention in a repeated measure design. Heart rate variability and the NASA-TLX were used to gauge physiological and subjective effects of the interventions. Target hit proportion, projectile group accuracy, and precision were used to measure marksmanship accuracy. Marksmanship accuracy was assessed by measuring bullet group accuracy (i.e., how close a group of shots are relative to center of mass) and bullet group precision (i.e., how close are each individual shot to each other). Additionally, marksmanship decision accuracy (correctly shooting vs. correctly withholding shot) when engaging targets was used to examine marksmanship performance. Results: Soldiers rated the mentally fatiguing task (59.88 ± 23.7) as having greater mental workload relative to the control intervention [31.29 ± 12.3, t(19) = 1.72, p < 0.001]. Additionally, soldiers completing the mental fatigue intervention (96.04 ± = 37.1) also had lower time-domain (standard deviation of normal to normal R-R intervals) heart rate variability relative to the control [134.39 ± 47.4, t(18) = 3.59, p < 0.001]. Projectile group accuracy and group precision failed to show differences between interventions [t(19) = 0.98, p = 0.34, t(19) = 0.18, p = 0.87, respectively]. Marksmanship decision errors significantly increased after soldiers completed the mental fatigue intervention (48% ± 22.4) relative to the control intervention [M = 32% ± 79.9, t(19) = 4.39, p < 0.001]. There was a significant negative correlation between shooting response time and errors of commission (r = −0.61; p = 0.004) when preceded by the mental fatigue intervention, but not the control (r = −0.31; p = 0.17). Conclusion: The mental fatigue intervention was successful in eliciting fatigue which was supported subjectively and objectively. Marksmanship judgment performance is significantly reduced when soldiers are mentally fatigued, although shot accuracy is not.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Head
- United States Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Dismounted Soldier and Team Performance BranchAberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Matthew S Tenan
- United States Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Integrated Capability Enhancement BranchAberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Andrew J Tweedell
- United States Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Integrated Capability Enhancement BranchAberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Michael E LaFiandra
- United States Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Integrated Capability Enhancement BranchAberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Frank Morelli
- United States Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Integrated Capability Enhancement BranchAberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Kyle M Wilson
- Psychology Department, University of HuddersfieldHuddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Samson V Ortega
- United States Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate, Dismounted Soldier and Team Performance BranchAberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - William S Helton
- ARCH Lab, Human Factors and Applied Cognition, George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA, United States
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Grillon C, Robinson OJ, Krimsky M, O'Connell K, Alvarez G, Ernst M. Anxiety-mediated facilitation of behavioral inhibition: Threat processing and defensive reactivity during a go/no-go task. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 17:259-266. [PMID: 27642657 DOI: 10.1037/emo0000214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety can be broken down into multiple facets including behavioral components, such as defensive reactivity, and cognitive components, such as distracting anxious thoughts. In a previous study, we showed that anticipation of unpredictable shocks facilitated response inhibition to infrequent no-go trials during a go/no-go task. The present study extends this work to examine the distinct contribution of defensive reactivity, measures with fear-potentiated startle, and anxious thought, assessed with thought probes, on go and no-go performance. Consistent with our prior findings, shock anticipation facilitated response inhibition (i.e., reduced errors of commission) on the no-go trials. Regression analyses showed that (a) no-go accuracy was positively associated with fear-potentiated startle and negatively associated with threat-related/task-unrelated thoughts and (b) go accuracy correlated negatively with fear-potentiated startle. Thus, while the present findings confirm the influence of anxiety on response inhibition, they also show that such influence reflects the balance between the positive effect of defensive reactivity and the negative effect of distracting anxious thoughts. (PsycINFO Database Record
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20
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Head JR, Tenan MS, Tweedell AJ, Price TF, LaFiandra ME, Helton WS. Cognitive Fatigue Influences Time-On-Task during Bodyweight Resistance Training Exercise. Front Physiol 2016; 7:373. [PMID: 27635122 PMCID: PMC5007724 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior investigations have shown measurable performance impairments on continuous physical performance tasks when preceded by a cognitively fatiguing task. However, the effect of cognitive fatigue on bodyweight resistance training exercise task performance is unknown. In the current investigation 18 amateur athletes completed a full body exercise task preceded by either a cognitive fatiguing or control intervention. In a randomized repeated measure design, each participant completed the same exercise task preceded by a 52 min cognitively fatiguing intervention (vigilance) or control intervention (video). Data collection sessions were separated by 1 week. Participants rated the fatigue intervention with a significantly higher workload compared to the control intervention (p < 0.001). Additionally, participants self-reported significantly greater energetic arousal for cognitively fatiguing task (p = 0.02). Cognitive fatigue did not significantly impact number of repetitions completed during the exercise task (p = 0.77); however, when cognitively fatigued, participants had decreased percent time-on-task (57%) relative to the no fatigue condition (60%; p = 0.04). RPE significantly changed over time (p < 0.001), but failed to show significant differences between the cognitive fatigue intervention and control intervention (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference for heart rate or metabolic expenditure as a function of fatigue intervention during exercise. Cognitively fatigued athletes have decreased time-on-task in bodyweight resistance training exercise tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Head
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Matthew S Tenan
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J Tweedell
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Thomas F Price
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Michael E LaFiandra
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
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21
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Wilson KM, Finkbeiner KM, de Joux NR, Russell PN, Helton WS. Go-stimuli proportion influences response strategy in a sustained attention to response task. Exp Brain Res 2016; 234:2989-98. [PMID: 27329605 PMCID: PMC5025487 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4701-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The sustained attention to response task (SART) usefulness as a measure of sustained attention has been questioned. The SART may instead be a better measure of other psychological processes and could prove useful in understanding some real-world behaviours. Thirty participants completed four Go/No-Go response tasks much like the SART, with Go-stimuli proportions of .50, .65, .80 and .95. As Go-stimuli proportion increased, reaction times decreased while both commission errors and self-reported task-related thoughts increased. Performance measures were associated with task-related thoughts but not task-unrelated thoughts. Instead of faster reaction times and increased commission errors being due to absentmindedness or perceptual decoupling from the task, the results suggested participants made use of two competing response strategies, in line with a response strategy or response inhibition perspective of SART performance. Interestingly, performance measures changed in a nonlinear manner, despite the linear Go proportion increase. A threshold may exist where the prepotent motor response becomes more pronounced, leading to the disproportionate increase in response speed and commission errors. This research has implications for researchers looking to employ the SART and for more applied contexts where the consequences of response inhibition failures can be serious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Wilson
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. .,The Applied Cognition and Cognitive Engineering Group, Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
| | - Kristin M Finkbeiner
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Neil R de Joux
- Human Factors Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul N Russell
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - William S Helton
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
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22
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Wilson KM, de Joux NR, Finkbeiner KM, Russell PN, Helton WS. The effect of task-relevant and irrelevant anxiety-provoking stimuli on response inhibition. Conscious Cogn 2016; 42:358-365. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Seli P. The Attention-Lapse and Motor Decoupling accounts of SART performance are not mutually exclusive. Conscious Cogn 2016; 41:189-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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24
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The troubling science of neurophenomenology. Exp Brain Res 2016; 236:2463-2467. [PMID: 27014776 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4623-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Researchers suggest links between mind-wandering and impaired processing of external task stimuli: mind-wandering results in perceptual decoupling. The primary methodology employed to investigate the effects of mind-wandering requires people to report their conscious state and then predicts prior behavior or neurophysiological responses using the person's self-report. Unfortunately, this method employs reports that occur after the behavior occurs. An alternative methodology employs a word displayed prior to a performance check or catch trial. After the catch trial, participants then report their awareness of the word occurring, attempt to recognize the word, and also report whether they were on- or off-task. We show that participants' explicit and implicit awareness of the pre-catch trial word is independent of self-reports of conscious state. This finding conflicts with the perspective that mind-wandering reports indicate perceptual decoupling. Reports of mind-wandering may alternatively be how people explain behavioral outcomes.
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25
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Roebuck H, Guo K, Bourke P. Attending at a Low Intensity Increases Impulsivity in an Auditory Sustained Attention to Response Task. Perception 2015; 44:1371-82. [DOI: 10.1177/0301006615602623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Why attention lapses during prolonged tasks is debated, specifically whether errors are a consequence of under-arousal or exerted effort. To explore this, we investigated whether increased impulsivity is associated with effortful processing by modifying the demand of a task by presenting it at a quiet intensity. Here, we consider whether attending at low but detectable levels affects impulsivity in a population with intact hearing. A modification of the Sustained Attention to Response Task was used with auditory stimuli at two levels: the participants’ personal “lowest detectable” level and a “normal speaking” level. At the quiet intensity, we found that more impulsive responses were made compared with listening at a normal speaking level. These errors were not due to a failure in discrimination. The findings suggest an increase in processing time for auditory stimuli at low levels that exceeds the time needed to interrupt a planned habitual motor response. This leads to a more impulsive and erroneous response style. These findings have important implications for understanding the nature of impulsivity in relation to effortful processing. They may explain why a high proportion of individuals with hearing loss are also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hettie Roebuck
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, UK
- MRC Institute of Hearing Research, Nottingham Clinical Section, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kun Guo
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, UK
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26
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Wilson KM, Russell PN, Helton WS. Spider stimuli improve response inhibition. Conscious Cogn 2015; 33:406-13. [PMID: 25770464 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety can have positive effects on some aspects of cognition and negative effects on others. The current study investigated whether task-relevant anxiety could improve people's ability to withhold responses in a response inhibition task. Sixty-seven university students completed a modified and an unmodified version of the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART; Robertson, Manly, Andrade, Baddeley, & Yiend, 1997) and provided subjective measures of arousal and thoughts. Anxiety appeared to improve participants' ability to withhold responses. Further, participants' performance was consistent with a motor response inhibition perspective rather than a mind-wandering perspective of SART commission error performance. Errors of commission were associated with response times (speed-accuracy trade-off) as opposed to task-unrelated thoughts. Task-related thoughts were associated with the speed-accuracy trade-off. Conversely task-unrelated thoughts showed an association with errors of omission, suggesting this SART metric could be an indicator of sustained attention. Further investigation of the role of thoughts in the SART is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Wilson
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Paul N Russell
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - William S Helton
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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27
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Braun N, Debener S, Sölle A, Kranczioch C, Hildebrandt H. Biofeedback-based self-alert training reduces alpha activity and stabilizes accuracy in the Sustained Attention to Response Task. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2015; 37:16-26. [PMID: 25658671 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2014.977232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deficits in sustaining attention are common in various organic brain diseases. A recent study proposed self-alert training (SAT) as a technique to improve sustained attention. In the SAT, individuals learn to gain volitional control over their own state of arousal by means of electrodermal biofeedback. METHOD In this study, we investigated the behavioral, electrodermal, and electroencephalogram correlates of the SAT with a blinded, randomized, and active-controlled pre-post study design. Sustained attention capacity was assessed with the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). RESULTS The SAT resulted in strong phasic increases in skin conductance response (SCR), but endogenous control of SCR without feedback was problematic. Electroencephalogram analysis revealed stronger alpha reduction during SART for the SAT than for the control group. Behaviorally, the SAT group performed more accurately and more slowly after intervention than the control group. CONCLUSION The study provides further evidence that SAT helps to maintain SART accuracy over prolonged periods of time. Whether this accuracy is more related to sustained attention or response inhibition is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas Braun
- a Neuropsychology Lab Department of Psychology , School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg , Oldenburg , Germany
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28
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The effects of warning cues and attention-capturing stimuli on the sustained attention to response task. Exp Brain Res 2014; 233:1061-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-014-4179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Dillard MB, Warm JS, Funke GJ, Funke ME, Finomore VS, Matthews G, Shaw TH, Parasuraman R. The sustained attention to response task (SART) does not promote mindlessness during vigilance performance. HUMAN FACTORS 2014; 56:1364-1379. [PMID: 25509819 DOI: 10.1177/0018720814537521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we evaluated the validity of the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) as a means for promoting mindlessness in vigilance performance. BACKGROUND Vigilance tasks typically require observers to respond to critical signals and to withhold responding to neutral events. The SART features the opposite response requirements, which supposedly leads it to promote a mindless, non-thoughtful approach to the vigilance task To test that notion, we compared the SART to the traditional vigilance format (TVF) in terms of diagnostic accuracy assessed through decision theory measures of positive and negative predictive power (PPP and NPP), perceived mental workload indexed by the Multiple Resource Questionnaire, and oculomotor activity reflected in the Nearest Neighbor Index and fixation dwell times. METHOD Observers in TVF and SART conditions monitored a video display for collision flight paths in a simulated air traffic control task. RESULTS Diagnostic accuracy in terms of NPP was high in both format conditions. While PPP was poorer in the SART than in the TVF, that result could be accounted for by a loss of motor control rather than a lack of mindfulness. Identical high levels of workload were generated by the TVF and SART tasks, and observers in both conditions showed similar dynamic scanning of the visual scene. CONCLUSION The data indicate that the SART is not an engine of mindlessness. APPLICATION The results challenge the widespread use of the SART to support a model in which mindlessness is considered to be the principal root of detection failures in vigilance.
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30
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Sustained attention failures are primarily due to sustained cognitive load not task monotony. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2014; 153:87-94. [PMID: 25310454 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted two studies using a modified sustained attention to response task (SART) to investigate the developmental process of SART performance and the role of cognitive load on performance when the speed-accuracy trade-off is controlled experimentally. In study 1, 23 participants completed the modified SART (target stimuli location was not predictable) and a subjective thought content questionnaire 4 times over the span of 4 weeks. As predicted, the influence of speed-accuracy trade-off was significantly mitigated on the modified SART by having target stimuli occur in unpredictable locations. In study 2, 21 of the 23 participants completed an abridged version of the modified SART with a verbal free-recall memory task. Participants performed significantly worse when completing the verbal memory task and SART concurrently. Overall, the results support a resource theory perspective with concern to errors being a result of limited mental resources and not simply mindlessness per se.
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Szalma JL, Schmidt TN, Teo GWL, Hancock PA. Vigilance on the move: video game-based measurement of sustained attention. ERGONOMICS 2014; 57:1315-1336. [PMID: 25001010 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.921329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Vigilance represents the capacity to sustain attention to any environmental source of information over prolonged periods on watch. Most stimuli used in vigilance research over the previous six decades have been relatively simple and often purport to represent important aspects of detection and discrimination tasks in real-world settings. Such displays are most frequently composed of single stimulus presentations in discrete trials against a uniform, often uncluttered background. The present experiment establishes a dynamic, first-person perspective vigilance task in motion using a video-game environment. 'Vigilance on the move' is thus a new paradigm for the study of sustained attention. We conclude that the stress of vigilance extends to the new paradigm, but whether the performance decrement emerges depends upon specific task parameters. The development of the task, the issues to be resolved and the pattern of performance, perceived workload and stress associated with performing such dynamic vigilance are reported. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY The present experiment establishes a dynamic, first-person perspective movement-based vigilance task using a video-game environment. 'Vigilance on the move' is thus a new paradigm for the evaluation of sustained attention in operational environments in which individuals move as they monitor their environment. Issues addressed in task development are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Szalma
- a Performance Research Laboratory, Psychology Department , University of Central Florida , Orlando, FL , USA
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32
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Practice does not make perfect in a modified sustained attention to response task. Exp Brain Res 2013; 232:565-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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