Greater attentional blink magnitude is associated with higher levels of anticipatory attention as measured by alpha event-related desynchronization (ERD)

Accuracy for a second target (T2) is reduced when it is presented within 500 ms of a first target (T1) in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP)—an attentional blink (AB). Reducing the amount of attentional investment with an additional task or instructing the use of a more relaxed cognitive approach has been found to reduce the magnitude of the AB. As well, personality and affective traits, as well as affective states, associated with a more diffused or flexible cognitive approach have been found to predict smaller AB magnitudes. In the current study, event-related desynchronization in the alpha range was used to investigate whether the degree of attentional investment in anticipation of a RSVP trial was related to the behavioral outcome of that trial. As hypothesized, greater alpha ERD before the RSVP trial, indicating greater anticipatory attentional investment, was observed on short lag trials where an AB was present (inaccurate T2 performance) compared to short lag trials where an AB did not occur. However, on trials where T2 was presented after a longer period relative to T1, greater alpha ERD before the RSVP trial was found on trials with accurate T2 performance. Results support models of the AB that propose that greater attentional investment underlies the AB, and furthermore that this attentional investment is prepared in anticipation before each RSVP trial.

Research highlights
► Greater alpha ERD before the RSVP trial found on short lag trials with an AB.
► Greater alpha ERD before the RSVP trial found on long lag trials when T2 was correct.
► Anticipatory attentional investment associated with dual-task behavioral outcome.
► Supports models of the AB proposing greater attentional investment underlies the AB.