title: Dynamics of distraction: competition among auditory streams modulates gain and disrupts inter-trial phase coherence in the human electroencephalogram.
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. High-distraction 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.
authors: Department of Neuroscience, The University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. karla.ponjavic@uleth.ca
authors: Karla D
authors: KD
authors: Ponjavic-Conte
authors: Dillon A
authors: DA
authors: Hambrook
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Pavlovic
authors: Matthew S
authors: MS
authors: Tata
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009622:Noise; D010897:Pitch Discrimination / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult