title: Implicit temporal expectation attenuates auditory attentional blink.
abstract: Attentional blink (AB) describes a phenomenon whereby correct identification of a first target impairs the processing of a second target (i.e., probe) nearby in time. Evidence suggests that explicit attention orienting in the time domain can attenuate the AB. Here, we used scalp-recorded, event-related potentials to examine whether auditory AB is also sensitive to implicit temporal attention orienting. Expectations were set up implicitly by varying the probability (i.e., 80% or 20%) that the probe would occur at the +2 or +8 position following target presentation. Participants showed a significant AB, which was reduced with the increased probe probability at the +2 position. The probe probability effect was paralleled by an increase in P3b amplitude elicited by the probe. The results suggest that implicit temporal attention orienting can facilitate short-term consolidation of the probe and attenuate auditory AB.
authors.affiliation: Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. dshen@rotman-baycrest.on.ca
authors.forename: Dawei
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054518:Attentional Blink / Q000502:physiology*; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D001519:Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult