Abstract
Two experiments with 16 normal adults of both sexes tested the hypothesis that inattention to a biofeedback display is associated with increased variability of those physiological processes that had been regulated by the biofeedback. Each experiment was a repeated-measures-on-independent-subjects-design. Dependent variables were the time durations and the mean rms power of two mutually exclusive segments of the parietal-occipital EEG: alpha and not-alpha segments. Independent variables were combination of counting tasks and instructions to look at, listen to, and count visual and auditory flashes and clicks. The durations of alpha and not-alpha segments were controlled or regulated by means of an alpha-contingent visual feedback stimulus, Attention to the feedback stimulus was challenged by instructions to count other, noncontingent stimuli. Control of alpha and not-alpha segments was least for conditions of (1) “sham” feedback, and (2) feedback with instructions to count noncontingent auditory clicks, which were presented 3/sec while the feedback visual stimuli were occurring. A new EEG test of attention and distraction was suggested.
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This research was supported by the Veterans Administration Medical Research Program. The assistance of Hiroyuki Kodama and Robert Landrigan, who prepared the figures, is appreciatively acknowledged.
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Mulholland, T., Goodman, D. & Boudrot, R. Attention and regulation of EEG alpha-attenuation responses. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 8, 585–600 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998765
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998765