Electrophysiological Effects of Experience during an Auditory Task
Abstract
The primary goal of this research was to determine the effect experience and/or training might have on event-related potentials (ERPs) recorded during an auditory task. Twenty male subjects ranging fom 19 to 35 years were divided into two groups based on their sonar experience and training. A standard oddball paradigm was used with two tones of differing frequency. The subject's task was to ignore the low tones (750Hz) and attend to the high tones (2000Hz) by sub-vocal counting. Average waveforms for each electrode site were determined for target (attended) and non-target (ignored) tones for each subject. Primary results indicate that N1-P2 difference values were consistent with past research, displaying an increase in component amplitude during attended trials. Amplitude values for the inexperienced group on attended trials were greatest at the Px electrode site, which is consistent with previous research findings using naive subjects. However, the results of the experienced group indicated that attended amplitude was smallest at this site and largest at the Fz electrode site. Thus, experience and training appear to have a significant effect on the distribution of ERP components. Keywords: Sonar echoes; Acoustic attenuation; Acoustic signals; Acoustic surveillance; Auditory evoked potential; Selective attention; Experienced sonar personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA180093
Entities
People
- David A. Kobus
- Karen Stashower
- M. J. Beeler
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center