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Journal Article

Reference (APA Format)

Arnott S.R. & Alain C. 2002. Stepping out of the spotlight: MMN attenuation as a function of distance from the attended location. NeuroReport, 13 (17), 2209-2212.

Title

Stepping out of the spotlight: MMN attenuation as a function of distance from the attended location

Journal Name

NeuroReport

Abstract

In this report we present neurophysiological evidence that spatial separation between attended and unattended sound sources influences a listener's ability to register changes in sounds presented outside the focus of attention. Standard and deviant stimuli were presented at three azimuth locations. Participants were asked to press a key whenever they heard a deviant at a designated location. Mismatch negativity waves were generated for deviants at the attended location and were attenuated for deviants occurring 30degrees away from the attended location. Mismatch negativities were not observed at distances of 60degrees or more. The results are consistent with a spotlight model of auditory attention in which the processing of stimuli outside the attentional focus is attenuated as a function of increasing distance from the focus.

Volume

13 (17)

Year

2002

Pages

2209-2212

Authors

Arnott S.R. & Alain C.

More Information

Keywords: attention; auditory; ERP; MMN; spatial Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, 530 WALNUT ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-3621 USA Subject Category: Neurosciences IDS Number: 631KV ISSN: 0959-4965 DOI: 10.1097/01.wnr.0000045010.30898.42.cf