Enhancement of selective attention by tDCS: Interaction with interference in a Sternberg task

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) enhances performance on working memory tasks. However, such effects may be dependent on modulation of specific aspects of working memory. We therefore tested the hypothesis that tDCS improves selective attention in the context of a Sternberg task. Subjects had to maintain a memory set while responding to distracter stimuli. Probes consisted of one item from the memory set, and one item that could have been presented as a distracter. TDCS was found to improve reaction time significantly only when the incorrect choice had been a distracter stimulus. The results thus support the notion that tDCS effects on working memory might be mediated by a specific effect on selective attention.

► Transcranial direct current stimulation improves working memory. ► We studied whether tDCS affects selective attention in particular. ► Subjects performed a Sternberg task involving interference. ► TDCS improved performance only on probes involving distracter stimuli. ► Selective attention thus appears to be improved by tDCS.