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Visual perceptual load modulates an auditory microreflex
Author(s) -
Parks Nathan A.,
Hilimire Matthew R.,
Corballis Paul M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2009.00801.x
Subject(s) - psychology , crossmodal , rapid serial visual presentation , perception , modality (human–computer interaction) , visual perception , task (project management) , cognitive psychology , audiology , communication , neuroscience , computer science , medicine , management , human–computer interaction , economics
The postauricular reflex (PAR) is a vestigial microreflex evoked by an abrupt auditory onset. Previous studies have indicated that the PAR is unaffected by auditory selective attention. Here, we report that the PAR can be modulated by a crossmodal manipulation of attentional demands within the visual modality. Subjects ( N =17) performed a central rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task while presented with irrelevant auditory distractor probes that elicited the PAR. Visual attentional demands were manipulated by altering the perceptual load of the RSVP task. The PAR modulated systematically with perceptual load, decreasing in amplitude with increased perceptual load. Results indicate that the PAR can be influenced by attention, at least within the visual modality.