The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuli
Abstract While perceptual load has been proposed to reduce the processing of task-unrelated stimuli, theoretical arguments and empirical findings for other forms of task load are inconclusive. Here, we systematically investigated the detection and neural processing of auditory stimuli varying in sti...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2023-03-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31132-7 |
| _version_ | 1797864729883967488 |
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| author | Laura Brockhoff Laura Vetter Maximilian Bruchmann Sebastian Schindler Robert Moeck Thomas Straube |
| author_facet | Laura Brockhoff Laura Vetter Maximilian Bruchmann Sebastian Schindler Robert Moeck Thomas Straube |
| author_sort | Laura Brockhoff |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract While perceptual load has been proposed to reduce the processing of task-unrelated stimuli, theoretical arguments and empirical findings for other forms of task load are inconclusive. Here, we systematically investigated the detection and neural processing of auditory stimuli varying in stimulus intensity during a stimuli-unrelated visual working memory task alternating between low and high load. We found, depending on stimulus strength, decreased stimulus detection and reduced P3, but unaffected N1 amplitudes of the event-related potential to auditory stimuli under high as compared to low load. In contrast, load independent awareness effects were observed during both early (N1) and late (P3) time windows. Findings suggest a late neural effect of visual working memory load on auditory stimuli leading to lower probability of reported awareness of these stimuli. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T22:57:52Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-eeae39ce419d49a0872496dca05929d9 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T22:57:52Z |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj.art-eeae39ce419d49a0872496dca05929d92023-03-22T11:12:47ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222023-03-0113111010.1038/s41598-023-31132-7The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuliLaura Brockhoff0Laura Vetter1Maximilian Bruchmann2Sebastian Schindler3Robert Moeck4Thomas Straube5Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of MuensterInstitute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of MuensterInstitute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of MuensterInstitute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of MuensterInstitute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of MuensterInstitute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of MuensterAbstract While perceptual load has been proposed to reduce the processing of task-unrelated stimuli, theoretical arguments and empirical findings for other forms of task load are inconclusive. Here, we systematically investigated the detection and neural processing of auditory stimuli varying in stimulus intensity during a stimuli-unrelated visual working memory task alternating between low and high load. We found, depending on stimulus strength, decreased stimulus detection and reduced P3, but unaffected N1 amplitudes of the event-related potential to auditory stimuli under high as compared to low load. In contrast, load independent awareness effects were observed during both early (N1) and late (P3) time windows. Findings suggest a late neural effect of visual working memory load on auditory stimuli leading to lower probability of reported awareness of these stimuli.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31132-7 |
| spellingShingle | Laura Brockhoff Laura Vetter Maximilian Bruchmann Sebastian Schindler Robert Moeck Thomas Straube The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuli Scientific Reports |
| title | The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuli |
| title_full | The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuli |
| title_fullStr | The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuli |
| title_full_unstemmed | The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuli |
| title_short | The effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task-unrelated auditory stimuli |
| title_sort | effects of visual working memory load on detection and neural processing of task unrelated auditory stimuli |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31132-7 |
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