DEVISING A MODIFIED FLANKER TASK TO OBTAIN EVENT RELATED BRAIN POTENTIALS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF ATTENTION

Abstract

Electrophysiological indices of attention provide insight into the neural processes underlying attention. These indices include the P300 and its sub-components, the P3a and P3b, which are event related potentials (ERPs) reflecting stimulus evaluation and response execution. Paradigms used to elicit these ERPs have limitations, and thus alternative paradigms are needed. Purpose: To test the ability of an alternative paradigm, the Flanker task, for eliciting the P300 and its sub-components. Methods: Mixed and single modality Flanker tasks were used to elicit ERPs from 40 non-disabled adult participants. Results were compared to ERPs obtained from a standard paradigm, the oddball task. Results: Neither the P300 or its sub-components were observed for the three tasks. Alternate ERPs indicative of selective attention and novelty were observed for the Flanker tasks. Conclusion: The modified Flanker tasks elicited ERPs indicative of the neural processes underlying attention, however the ERPs obtained did not correspond to those anticipated.