Temporal Dynamics of Transient Attention

To identify a target in a dynamic environment, attention must be allocated to the target’s at the right time.

Temporally selective attention allows us to discriminate a briefly presented target from temporally adjacent distractors.

However, when a target is closely followed by a distractor that shares the target’s response category, participants often erroneously report the identity of the distractor (distractor intrusions).

Previous studies showed that such distractor intrusion effects are mediated by attentional processes, but the exact underlying mechanism remains a matter of debate. The proposed study is designed to fill this gap, using behavioural and electrophysiological measures. We will test a new account of temporal attention and distractor intrusions.

To do so, we will develop a novel paradigm that will allow us to track electrophysiological biomarkers (N2pc component) of attentional processes, separately for trials where participants correctly identified the target and intrusion trials. Prof. Eimer is one of the leading researchers in the field of cognitive electrophysiology.

Under his supervision, I will train in state-of-the-art EEG and eye-tracking methods, and learn the skills required to become a PI. The studies are expected to have a substantial impact to several theoretical debates. Thus, the success of the action and its dissemination promises to turn me into a strong player in the field.

From that standpoint, I will be able to find fruitful collaborations, especially by capitalizing on Prof. Eimer’s network of collaborators.

As advancements are introduced to the field of cognitive psychology, researchers are rightfully expected to be apt in interdisciplinary methodologies, and especially in neuroimaging techniques.

Training in these methods and achieving the goals of the action will be the stepping stone for my future career as a PI in a leading university in Israel or Europe.