Event Related Potential Study of Visual Selective Attention and Working Memory in Children
dc.contributor | Sabariego, Marta | |
dc.contributor | Mulder, Kenneth | |
dc.contributor.advisor | Couperus, Jane | |
dc.contributor.author | Wallsinger, Grace | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2023-06-06T19:42:31Z | |
dc.date.available | 2023-06-06T19:42:31Z | |
dc.date.gradyear | 2023 | en_US |
dc.date.issued | 2023-06-06 | |
dc.description.abstract | One current model of visual selective attention proposes two mechanisms that work together to achieve processing of important information: facilitation – which controls the processing of relevant target stimuli – and suppression – which works to filter out irrelevant distracting stimuli. While facilitation is seen in all ages, previous research indicates suppression develops later in childhood (Plebanek & Sloutsky 2017; 2019; Wong-Kee-You et al., 2019). One theory regarding the development of selective attention is that it is linked to the development of working memory – given the functional and neural overlap between the two processes (Downing, 2000; LaBar et al., 2019). This study investigated the developmental timeline of suppression using electrophysiological methods to create a quantitative physiological measure of facilitation and suppression during visual selective attention using the P1/N1 event related potential (ERP) components for 24 adults and 12 children (8-12 years-old). Our results reveal a suppression effect of the N1 component for adults, but not for children; suggesting that suppression may not develop before the age of 12. Additionally, we discovered children reach adult levels for visual working memory capacity between the ages of 10-12 years-old; and that for children only, visual working memory capacity has a significant interaction with attention ability. This indicates that working memory capacity develops earlier and may influence later development of selective attention skills – including suppression. Understanding the development of attention and working memory will provide useful information in creating effective classroom management strategies and enhancing the focus of task-related information to foster childhood learning. | en_US |
dc.description.sponsorship | Neuroscience and Behavior | en_US |
dc.description.sponsorship | Psychology & Education | en_US |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10166/6425 | |
dc.language.iso | en_US | en_US |
dc.rights.restricted | restricted | en_US |
dc.subject | Attention | en_US |
dc.subject | Working Memory | en_US |
dc.subject | EEG | en_US |
dc.subject | ERP | en_US |
dc.subject | P1/N1 | en_US |
dc.subject | Children | en_US |
dc.subject | Developmental Psychology | en_US |
dc.title | Event Related Potential Study of Visual Selective Attention and Working Memory in Children | en_US |
dc.type | Thesis | |
mhc.degree | Undergraduate | en_US |
mhc.institution | Mount Holyoke College |
Files
Original bundle
1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
- Name:
- Final Thesis - Grace Wallsinger.pdf
- Size:
- 787.28 KB
- Format:
- Adobe Portable Document Format
- Description: