Cogprints

Mismatch negativity (MMN) is altered by directing attention

OADES, Robert D. and DITTMANN-BALCAR, Alexandra (1995) Mismatch negativity (MMN) is altered by directing attention. [Journal (Paginated)]

Full text available as:

[img] PDF
266Kb

Abstract

Introduction: MMN is a negative component resulting from the difference in event-related potential (ERP) waveforms elicited by a standard and a deviant stimulus. It is usually studied in the absence of attentional requirements. Method: Here we compare this measure of perceptual comparison in a nontask situation (3 tones presented) with that obtained in a task requiring focussed attention and response to the third tone. Subjects were 9 male and 16 female healthy volunteers aged 18-25 years Results: MMN amplitude (comparison of standard and deviant irrelevant tones) increased with focussed attention to the third (target) tone and frontal maxima shifted slightly posteriorly. The succeding P3 in the difference waveform increased more posteriorly than frontally confirming continued differential processing of irrelevant stimuli under active conditions. Conclusion: This demonstrates that not only attending to stimuli, but the active processing of irrelevant stimuli (vs passive perception) involves small changes of the amount and distribution of neural activity. i.e. active controlled processing in focussed attention can affect the capacity or distribution of resources even for automatic processing of information (the MMN).

Item Type:Journal (Paginated)
Keywords:attention, focused attention, event-related potential, ERP, mismatch negativity, MMN, P3, perception, working memory, WM, relevance
Subjects:Neuroscience > Neurophysiology
Psychology > Perceptual Cognitive Psychology
Psychology > Psychophysics
ID Code:1182
Deposited By: OADES, Robert D.
Deposited On:05 Jan 2001
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:54

Metadata

Repository Staff Only: item control page