The effect of covert auditory attention in multiple targets aiming: Kinematic evidence

Abstract

A central issue in selective attention for action concerns the nature of covert attention. While this issue has been extensively investigated with what we can see, much less is known with respect to auditory stimuli and the possible influences on selective attention for action. The present experiment examined the effect of covert auditory attention in multiple target aiming. Eleven participants initiated goal-directed reaching movements within 320ms to one of four targets, of which the actual target was unknown until 200ms following movement initiation. Auditory cues were presented at movement initiation and attention was manipulated by informing participants of the probability of auditory cues predicting the target side (left or right). The task was completed under three conditions: Neutral-sound, 80/20, and 50/50. Movement trajectories were recorded using Optotrak 3D Investigator at 500Hz. Dependent variables were analyzed using a 3 (condition) x 2(Target location) and trajectories, using a 3 (condition) x 2(Target location) x 6 (MT points) ANOVAs. The present findings indicate that the auditory cue did not have any effect on RT. There was a significant MT advantage to the right compared to left targets regardless of cueing. In addition, a larger proportion of time was spent before PV when aiming to the right compared to left side. Of particular interest, the effect of the valid auditory manifested in the early stages of movement execution as was evident by the reaching trajectories. Therefore, regardless of cue validity the presence of a valid covert auditory attention impacted subsequent goal-directed action.

Acknowledgments: Funding for this research was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).