Research reportCan an auditory multi-feature optimal paradigm be used for the study of processes associated with attention capture in passive listeners?

- A time-saving multi-feature optimal paradigm was used to elicit the P3a.
- Rarely occurring white noise and environmental sound deviants elicited a large P3a.
- Results from a single optimal sequence and separate oddball sequences were similar.
- The extent that deviant features differ from those of the standard does affect P3a.
- A multi-feature paradigm provides rapid, reliable means to study attention capture.

ObjectiveA rarely occurring and highly relevant auditory stimulus occurring outside of the current focus of attention can cause a switching of attention. Such attention capture is often studied in oddball paradigms consisting of a frequently occurring “standard” stimulus which is changed at odd times to form a “deviant”. The deviant may result in the capturing of attention. An auditory ERP, the P3a, is often associated with this process. To collect a sufficient amount of data is however very time-consuming. A more multi-feature “optimal” paradigm has been proposed but it is not known if it is appropriate for the study of attention capture.MethodsAn optimal paradigm was run in which 6 different rare deviants (p=.08) were separated by a standard stimulus (p=.50) and compared to results when 4 oddball paradigms were also run.ResultsA large P3a was elicited by some of the deviants in the optimal paradigm but not by others. However, very similar results were observed when separate oddball paradigms were run.Conclusions & significanceThe present study indicates that the optimal paradigm provides a very time-saving method to study attention capture and the P3a.