Citation:Ponjavic-Conte, K. D., Hambrook, D. A., Pavlovic, S., & Tata, M. S. (2013). Dynamics of distraction: Competition among auditory streams modulates gain and disrupts inter-trial phase coherence in the human electroencephalogram. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e53953. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053953
Abstract:
Auditory distraction is a failure to maintain focus on a stream of sounds. We investigated the neural correlates of distraction in a selective-listening pitch-discrimination task with high (competing speech) or low (white noise) distraction. Highdistraction impaired performance and reduced the N1 peak of the auditory Event-Related Potential evoked by probe tones. In a series of simulations, we explored two theories to account for this effect: disruption of sensory gain or a disruption of inter-trial phase consistency. When compared to these simulations, our data were consistent with both effects of distraction. Distraction reduced the gain of the auditory evoked potential and disrupted the inter-trial phase consistency with which the brain responds to stimulus events. Tones at a non-target, unattended frequency were more susceptible to the effects of distraction than tones within an attended frequency band.
Description:
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