Visual target detection paradigm for the study of selective attention

Matthias H. Tabert, Sylvie Chokron, Cheuk Y. Tang, Tsechung Wei, Adam M. Brickman, Monte S. Buchsbaum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The current protocol can be used to examine selective attention. It has been used to acquire behavioral performance data in neurologically healthy normal control subjects and schizophrenic patients. A modified version, also described here, has been used to acquire functional neuroimaging data in normal subjects using positron emission tomography. Subject response accuracy and reaction times are recorded while subjects detect visual stimuli in either hemifield (left vs. right of a fixation point) or along the vertical meridian (above or below fixation). The lateralized presentation of stimuli permits the study of hemispheric specialization for selective attentional processes. Attentional load is manipulated by presenting larger-sized target stimuli alone (i.e., the letter 'O') or smaller-sized target stimuli surrounded by flanking letters. This protocol report includes a description of subject exclusion criteria, procedural details, relevant experimental conditions and variables, suggestions for data analysis, expected results, and a discussion of the protocol's significance for attentional research along with suggestions for future research. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)80-85
Number of pages6
JournalBrain Research Protocols
Volume6
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Attention
  • Hemispheric specialization
  • Laterality
  • Pulvinar
  • Thalamus
  • Vision

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