Date Thesis Awarded

4-2023

Access Type

Honors Thesis -- Open Access

Degree Name

Bachelors of Arts (BA)

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Paul Kieffaber

Committee Members

Robert Barnet

Brian Rabinovitz

Matthew Haug

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the impact of temporal variability on the N2pc component during overt and covert visual search tasks, with a focus on potential differences in the efficiency of search strategies. Employing an eye tracker and a modified algorithm for saccade detection, our analysis considered the potential influence of eye tracker performance and data cleaning methods on the interpretation of results. Additionally, we adopted ERPimage analysis to enhance the rigor of our statistical examination. Our findings confirmed the temporal relationship between the N2pc and first saccade onset, with the N2pc occurring after the saccade. Furthermore, we identified a potential correlation between the onset latency of saccades in overt searches and N2pc amplitude. We highlighted the need for caution when comparing event-related potential components across studies due to methodological differences. By examining the temporal relationship between N2pc and saccade onset in the context of overt and covert search tasks, this investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing visual search efficiency and attentional allocation.

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