Flanker Task

Definition

The flanker task is a psychological test used to measure attentional processes by assessing how well individuals can focus on a target stimulus while ignoring distracting information that is presented nearby. This task typically involves a central target flanked by distracting stimuli, which can be either congruent or incongruent. The flanker task highlights the interplay between top-down and bottom-up attention, as participants must use their cognitive resources to filter out distractions and respond accurately to the target.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the flanker task, participants typically respond more quickly and accurately when the flankers are congruent with the target compared to when they are incongruent.
2. This task is often used to study selective attention and cognitive control, highlighting how distractions can influence performance on attentional tasks.
3. The flanker task can be adapted in various ways, such as changing the number of distractors or modifying the spatial arrangement of stimuli to investigate different aspects of attention.
4. Research using the flanker task has shown that individuals with ADHD may demonstrate greater susceptibility to distraction compared to those without the disorder.
5. The flanker task has applications in understanding broader cognitive processes, including how the brain processes competing stimuli and the mechanisms involved in attentional control.

Review Questions

• How does the flanker task differentiate between top-down and bottom-up attentional processes?
  • The flanker task illustrates the distinction between top-down and bottom-up attention by requiring participants to use their cognitive resources to focus on a target while ignoring distracting stimuli. Top-down processing involves using knowledge and expectations to filter information, allowing participants to prioritize the target despite the presence of flankers. In contrast, bottom-up attention is driven by external stimuli, such as how salient or relevant distractors may capture attention. The interplay of these two processes is crucial for understanding how people manage competing visual inputs.
• What role does the congruence effect play in interpreting results from the flanker task?
  • The congruence effect is vital in interpreting results from the flanker task because it demonstrates how flankers influence reaction times and accuracy. When flankers are congruent with the target, participants tend to respond faster due to facilitated processing, while incongruent flankers lead to slower responses due to interference. This effect helps researchers assess the efficiency of attentional control and provides insights into how distractions can affect cognitive performance, revealing underlying mechanisms of selective attention.
• Evaluate how findings from the flanker task might contribute to our understanding of attention-related disorders such as ADHD.
  • Findings from the flanker task can significantly enhance our understanding of attention-related disorders like ADHD by illustrating differences in attentional control between individuals with and without the disorder. Research shows that individuals with ADHD may struggle more with incongruent flankers, indicating heightened susceptibility to distraction. Analyzing performance patterns on this task helps identify specific cognitive deficits associated with ADHD, guiding interventions aimed at improving attentional focus and management strategies for those affected by such disorders.

Related terms

Attentional Control: The ability to regulate one's focus and attention, allowing for the prioritization of relevant information while suppressing distractions.

Congruence Effect: The phenomenon where reaction times are faster when the flankers are congruent with the target compared to when they are incongruent.

Inhibition of Return: A phenomenon in visual attention where the response to a previously attended location becomes slower, making it less likely for an individual to return their attention to that area.