Thomas lecture 2

attentional blink

After focusing on something specific, have a pause in attention for about half a second after target

Posner cueing task & results

assesses an individual's ability to perform an attentional shift

Standard finding is faster reaction time to detect a target onset when it is cued→ valid trial

emotion & Posner cueing task

No evidence for emotion to facilitate strategic orienting when Valid cues were predictive and intervals short

ability to disengage/ withdraw attention from an emotional stimulus in posner cueing task

•When attention is oriented to an angry face it is harder to withdraw.

•Response to the target was slowed when previously attending to an angry face and now have to orient to opposite side of screen.

disgust for drug addicts such as homeless

•Increased insula activation

•Reduced social cog (medial prefrontal cortex) assoc w/ dehumanization