Dynamics of distraction: competition among auditory streams modulates gain and disrupts inter-trial phase coherence in the human electroencephalogram
Date
2013
Authors
Ponjavic-Conte, Karla D.
Hambrook, Dillon A.
Pavlovic, Sebastian
Tata, Matthew S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
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. Highdistraction 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.
Description
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
Keywords
Auditory , Distraction decoherence , Disruption , Pitch discrimination , Competing stimulus
Citation
Ponjavic-Conte, K. D., Hambrook, D. A., Pavlovic, S., & Tata, M. S. (2013). Dynamics of distraction: Competition among auditory streams modulates gain and disrupts inter-trial phase coherence in the human electroencephalogram. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e53953. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053953