Abstract
The effects of irrelevant stimuli complexity on event-related potentials were investigated in 3 conditions using both auditory and visual oddball tasks. In Conditions 1 and 2, simple standard and target stimuli were presented in series with complex, identical (Condition 1) or variable (Condition 2), task-irrelevant stimuli. In Condition 3, complex standards and targets were presented with simple, identical, task-irrelevant stimuli. In Conditions 1 and 2, but not Condition 3, the irrelevant stimuli elicited the P3a component in both auditory and visual modalities and the N2b component in the visual modality. While we found that variable, irrelevant stimuli evoked larger P3a in the auditory modality compared with identical irrelevant stimuli, we observed the opposite effect in the visual modality. These results suggest that stimuli rareness and irrelevance are not sufficient for eliciting P3a. This component is only elicited by irrelevant stimuli that are at least as complex as the task-related stimuli.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
