Conscious thought and the sustained attention to response task
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2009
Department
Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences
Abstract
We investigated the properties of the sustained attention to response task (SART). In the SART, participants respond to frequent (high probability of occurrence) neutral signals and are required to withhold response to rare (low probability of occurrence) critical signals. We examined whether SART performance shows characteristics of speed-accuracy tradeoffs and in addition, we examined whether SART performance is influenced by prior exposure to emotional picture stimuli. Thirty-six participants in this study performed SARTs after being exposed to neutral and negative picture stimuli. Performance in the SART changed rapidly over time and there was a high correlation between participants errors of commission rate and their reaction time to the neutral targets (r = -.61). Regardless of exposure self-reported thoughts significantly correlated with both errors of commission and reaction times. Overall, the results support the view that the SART is a better measure of impulsive responding than sustained attention.
Publication Title
Consciousness and Cognition
Recommended Citation
Helton, W.,
Kern, R.,
&
Walker, D.
(2009).
Conscious thought and the sustained attention to response task.
Consciousness and Cognition,
18(3), 600-607.
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2009.06.002
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/6241