Cited by 106Neural dynamics and brain functionMultisensory perception and integrationNeuroscience and Music Perception

Characterizing the roles of alpha and theta oscillations in multisensory attention

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Keller, Arielle S., Payne, Lisa, Sekuler, Robert·2017·Neuropsychologia

Abstract

Cortical alpha oscillations (8-13Hz) appear to play a role in suppressing distractions when just one sensory modality is being attended, but do they also contribute when attention is distributed over multiple sensory modalities? For an answer, we examined cortical oscillations in human subjects who were dividing attention between auditory and visual sequences. In Experiment 1, subjects performed an oddball task with auditory, visual, or simultaneous audiovisual sequences in separate blocks, while the electroencephalogram was recorded using high-density scalp electrodes. Alpha oscillations were present continuously over posterior regions while subjects were attending to auditory sequences. This supports the idea that the brain suppresses processing of visual input in order to advantage auditory processing. During a divided-attention audiovisual condition, an oddball (a rare, unusual stimulus) occurred in either the auditory or the visual domain, requiring that attention be divided between the two modalities. Fronto-central theta band (4-7Hz) activity was strongest in this audiovisual condition, when subjects monitored auditory and visual sequences simultaneously. Theta oscillations have been associated with both attention and with short-term memory. Experiment 2 sought to distinguish these possible roles of fronto-central theta activity during multisensory divided attention. Using a modified version of the oddball task from Experiment 1, Experiment 2 showed that differences in theta power among conditions were independent of short-term memory load. Ruling out theta's association with short-term memory, we conclude that fronto-central theta activity is likely a marker of multisensory divided attention.

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  • Fronto-central theta power has been associated with divided attention between conflicting visual and auditory signals.

    “as well as divided attention between conflicting visual and auditory signals97.”

    From Paying attention to attention in depression (2019) · cites this paper as [97]

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Authors
Keller, A. S., Payne, L., & Sekuler, R.
Affiliations
  • Brandeis University (US)
  • Swarthmore College (US)
Corresponding author
Keller, Arielle S.
Venue
Neuropsychologia
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2017-05
Volume
99
Pages
48-63
ISSN
0028-3932 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2539050533
Cited by
106
References
85
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 3
FWCI
3.45
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuropsychologia (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • Brandeis Institutional Repository (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • CELEST, an NSF Science of Learning Center (SBE-0354378)
  • NIH grant for Undergraduate and Graduate Training in Computational Neuroscience (1T90DA032435-01)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Multisensory perception and integration
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Music Perception
Keywords
alpha oscillations, theta oscillations, multisensory attention, divided attention, audiovisual attention, oddball paradigm, short-term memory, EEG
MeSH terms
Adult, Alpha Rhythm, Analysis of Variance, Attention, Auditory Perception, Female, Humans, Male, Neuropsychological Tests, Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted, Theta Rhythm, Visual Perception, Young Adult

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