Spatial Cuing Task

Allocation of attention to a location in space has classically been explored using a Posner et al. (1980) cueing paradigm. This task can, with small modifications, be used to explore either endogenous (voluntary/top-down) or exogenous (automatic/bottom-up) attentional mechanisms. The key dependant variable for this experiment is reaction time. Using different types of stimuli allows the research to explore questions about attentional resources for specific categories.

You will need to build a behavioural spatial cueing task using PsychoPy that conform to the requirements outlined below and allow you to measure reaction and accuracy for each condition.

Design

Outlined here is a simple ‘flat’ design with one factor – Validity, that has two levels:

  • Valid – where the target location is predicted by the cueing stimuli.
  • Invalid – where the target location is predicted by the cueing stimuli.

You should include more factors to change the design to test your hypothesis; you must explain your choices in the summary of the experiment.

Experimental requirements

Your experiment must include the following:

  • An information and consent sheet.
  • At least 5 practice trials where feedback is given to the participants based on their performance.
  • Feedback in practice trials should be – correct/incorrect/no-response, too slow.
  • 20 trials in each condition.
  • Trials, across the three conditions, should be presented in a random order

Trial requirements

  • The interval between trials (also known as the inter-trial-interval: ITI) should be filled with a fixation cross – the length of time the fixation trial is on the screen should vary such that it’s offset is unpredictable.
  • A fixation cross should remain on the screen throughout the trial so participants can focus their gaze.
  • The interval between cue and target should vary such that the onset of the target is unpredictable.

Use your imagination

There are several aspects of the experiment that you can change freely; this means that you will be able to test your own specific hypothesis. Here is a list of somethings you can change but it isn’t comprehensive; if it isn’t specified above – you can change it.

  • Nature of the stimuli -> words, pictures, letters, symbols etc.
  • Testing endogenous, exogenous attention or both.
  • Using central or peripheral cues.