Levels Of Sustained Attention Research Articles

Developing SAMM: A Model for Measuring Sustained Attention in Asynchronous Online Learning

There is a strong relationship between sustainability and equality education, as it is emphasized in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To maintain learning effectiveness, learning attention is a valuable consideration. By continuously monitoring learners’ attention, the teaching and learning process can be measured and adjusted as needed. However, it poses a challenge for measuring attention in online learning environments where all participants do not interact face-to-face. To address this concern, this paper proposes a sustained attention measurement model (SAMM) that establishes attention tests to gauge learners’ sustained attention levels during asynchronous online learning. SAMM presents learners with real-time questions based on course content, collecting both their response time and accuracy. In an experiment conducted over an academic semester, we recruited 213 students from a private Taiwanese university of technology and analyzed their response time and accuracy rate to identify attention patterns in the online learning system. This analysis can provide valuable feedback for instructors to adjust their teaching methods.

Testosterone administration enhances the expectation and perception of painful and non-painful somatosensory stimuli

The influence of testosterone on pain perception remains inconsistent in the literature. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study investigated the effect of testosterone administration on perception and expectation of electrocutaneous stimulus. Thirty healthy male participants received a single dose of testosterone in one session and a placebo in the other session. For each session, they completed a pain-rating task in which a predictability cue was inserted before a painful or non-painful electocutaneous stimulus delivery, while neural activity was simultaneously recorded by a 64-channel electroencephalographic (EEG) system. Expected and perceived pain ratings, as well as event-related potentials (ERPs) to electocutaneous stimuli and prestimulus EEG oscillatory activities while expecting upcoming electocutaneous stimuli were comprehensively compared between testosterone and placebo sessions. Compared with the placebo session, participants in the testosterone session reported greater pain rating and exhibited greater amplitude of N1 component on ERPs when perceiving both painful and non-painful electrocutaneous stimuli. Mediation analysis revealed that testosterone enhanced the pain-intensity ratings via the N1 response to the electrocutaneous stimulus. Upon viewing the predictability cues after testosterone administration, expected pain intensity increased and spontaneous low-frequency α-oscillation power in the frontal region decreased. These results provide evidence that testosterone enhanced perception and expectation of somatosensory events, and that this was a general effect rather than pain-specific. A plausible explanation for these findings is that testosterone acts to increase vigilance and sustained attention levels, as evidenced by the decreased α-oscillation power. Thus, our findings support a causal role for testosterone in heightening the biological salience of incoming somatosensory information.

Virtual reality lifeguarding scenarios as a potential training solution for pool lifeguards

BackgroundEnsuring that pool lifeguards develop the skills necessary to detect drowning victims is challenging given that these situations are relatively rare, unpredictable and are difficult to simulate accurately and safely. Virtual reality potentially provides a safe and ecologically valid approach to training since it offers a near-to-real visual experience, together with the opportunity to practice task-related skills and receive feedback. As a prelude to the development of a training intervention, the aim of this research was to establish the construct validity of virtual reality drowning detection tasks. MethodUsing a repeated measures design, a total of 38 qualified lifeguards and 33 non-lifeguards completed 13 min and 23 min simulated drowning detection tasks that were intended to reflect different levels of sustained attention. During the simulated tasks, participants were asked to monitor a virtual pool and identify any drowning targets with accuracy, response latency, and dwell time recorded. ResultsDuring the simulated scenarios, pool lifeguards detected drowning targets more frequently and spent less time than non-lifeguards fixating on the drowning target prior to the drowning onset. No significant differences in response latency were evident between lifeguards and non-lifeguards nor for first fixations on the drowning target. ConclusionThe results provide support for the construct validity of virtual reality lifeguarding scenarios, thereby providing the basis for their development and introduction as a potential training approach for developing and maintaining performance in lifeguarding and drowning detection. ApplicationThis research provides support for the construct validity of virtual reality simulations as a potential training tool, enabling improvements in the fidelity of training solutions to improve pool lifeguard competency in drowning detection.

Sustained Attention as Measured by Reaction Time Variability Is a Strong Modulator for the P600, but Not the N400.

The functional significance of the two prominent language-related ERP components N400 and P600 is still under debate. It has recently been suggested that one important dimension along which the two vary is in terms of automaticity versus attentional control, with N400 amplitudes reflecting more automatic and P600 amplitudes reflecting more controlled aspects of sentence comprehension. The availability of executive resources necessary for controlled processes depends on sustained attention, which fluctuates over time. Here, we thus tested whether P600 and N400 amplitudes depend on the level of sustained attention. We reanalyzed EEG and behavioral data from a sentence processing task by Sassenhagen and Bornkessel-Schlesewsky [The P600 as a correlate of ventral attention network reorientation. Cortex, 66, A3-A20, 2015], which included sentences with morphosyntactic and semantic violations. Participants read sentences phrase by phrase and indicated whether a sentence contained any type of anomaly as soon as they had the relevant information. To quantify the varying degrees of sustained attention, we extracted a moving reaction time coefficient of variation over the entire course of the task. We found that the P600 amplitude was significantly larger during periods of low reaction time variability (high sustained attention) than in periods of high reaction time variability (low sustained attention). In contrast, the amplitude of the N400 was not affected by reaction time variability. These results thus suggest that the P600 component is sensitive to sustained attention whereas the N400 component is not, which provides independent evidence for accounts suggesting that P600 amplitudes reflect more controlled and N400 amplitudes reflect more automatic aspects of sentence comprehension.

Salivary Cortisol and Sustained Auditory Attention in Children with and without Cleft Lip and Palate.

Introduction Cortisol is a hormone involved in the response to stress. Attention is a function that can change due to exposure to stress. Objectives To verify the correlation between the level of salivary cortisol and sustained auditory attention in children with cleft lip and palate, as well as to compare the results of the variables analyzed between female and male patients. Methods In total, 103 children aged 6 to 11 years, were divided into 2 groups: those with cleft lip and palate (experimental group, EG; n = 69) and the control group (CG; n = 34). The Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) and salivary cortisol levels, measured by an enzyme immunoassay kit (Salimetrics, Stage College, PA, US), were calculated and compared regarding the two groups. The statistical tests used were the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation. Results The median level of salivary cortisol was of 0.03615 µl/dL and 0.18000 µl/dL respectively for the EG and CG, with a significant difference between the groups ( p = 0.000). Absence of statistical significance (total error score = 0.656; vigilance decrement = 0.051) was observed the for SAAAT among the EG (median total error score = 12.00; 25th percentile [25%] = 7.00; 75th percentile [75%] = 21.00; and vigilance decrement = 1.00; 25% = 0.00; 75% = 2.50) and the CG (median total error score = 12.00; 25% = 6.00; 75% = 24.00; and vigilance decrement = 0.00; 25% = -1.00; 75% = 2.00). Conclusion All children had median levels of salivary cortisol and scores for sustained auditory attention within normal parameters. A significant correlation between the level of salivary cortisol and the ability to sustain auditory attention was observed in children without cleft lip and palate. There were no differences regarding the SAAAT and salivary cortisol between female and male patients.

Diferencias en la atención sostenida en jóvenes universitarios con distintos niveles de uso de smartphone

The constant use of mobile devices changed our lives dramatically during the past years and its usage increased over the years. Smartphone use is associated with isolation and interpersonal problems; its overuse can cause cognitive problems too (Matar Boumosleh & Jaalouk, 2017). Cognitive problems associated with smartphones in young people are reduction of sustained attention and working memory. Findings have been reported in which younger populations show deterioration in different components of care, highlighting the difficulty of walking and using the smartphone at the same time (Prupetkaew et al., 2019). It has been reported that the impulsivity associated with use of smartphone in silent mode interferes in memory tests unlike when it is in off mode in young populations (Canale et al., 2019). It is necessary to evaluate the effects of using a smartphone on young people because it is a population that uses it constantly to develop in work, academic, sports, and even socializing activities. The aim of this paper was to find out the differences in sustained attention in young university students with different levels of smartphone use. A sample of 94 adults, 34 men and 60 women between the ages of 18 and 23 (M = 19.34, SD = 1.09), who were students of the higher school of Actopan, Hidalgo-Mexico. The EDAS –Smartphone Dependency and Addiction Scale– was applied (Aranda-López et al., 2017). For the evaluation of attention, a Computerized Continuous Running Test (CPT), Test of Attentional Vigilance (TOAV) was applied using the Psychology Experimental Building Language PEBL-2 platform (Mueller & Pipper, 2014). The inclusion criteria were that the participants were between 18-23 years old, right-handed, with normal and/or corrected vision. They were excluded from the investigation if they had a history of psychiatric and/or neurological diseases, learning difficulties, chronic alcohol and/or drug use. A one-way ANOVA was performed, where the independent variable was the level of smartphone use (no dependence, dependence and addiction) and the dependent variable was the scores obtained in the TOAV. It was observed that there are statistically significant differences in the errors of omission of the second half of the test (p = .05), the differences were found between the groups of no dependence-dependence (p =.10) and without dependence-addiction (p = .24). The results showed that there are differences in the execution of a neuropsychological task, regarding the omission errors of the second part of the test. These differences could suggest that the level of sustained attention is diminished in the participants of the dependency and addiction group at the end of the task. On the other hand, it is also concluded that students with levels of dependence and smartphone addiction face attention difficulties when the task is longer and cognitive demand increases. This type of data must be analyzed taking into consideration variables such as sex, socioeconomic level, age, profile of use, quality of sleep, level of physical activity, among others. https://doi.org/10.16888/interd.2022.39.2.2

Estrategias lúdicas para la atención sostenida

The article presents the findings of an investigation, whose objective was to determine if the application of the playful strategies workshop improves the sustained attention of second grade students of an Educational Institution, in the district of La Esperanza, province of Trujillo, academic year. 2022. We worked under a quasi-experimental design, using direct observation as a technique, whose instrument the observation guide was validated in the opinion of experts, which was applied to a sample of 30 students. The results obtained that the levels of Sustained Attention in the pre-test of the experimental group are the initial level of 57% and process of 43%. While in the post test we can see that the process level has 17%, the level achieved 73% and outstanding 10%. Testing the hypothesis that there are statistically significant differences in the development of sustained attention, between the means of the experimental and control groups in the post test, for a confidence level of 95%, with a p-value for the p test <0.05. The effectiveness of the "Playful Strategies" Workshop in the students who participated in the experimental group is concluded.

How Deeply Does Media and Technology Usage Affect the Sustained Attention?

ABSTRACT Sustained attention, a fundamental function of attention, also plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of other aspects of attention, such as selective attention, divided attention, and general cognitive capacity. Effective recognition, learning, and memory cannot be achieved in a learning process that does not involve sustained attention. This study, therefore, aims to define the relationships between the sustained attention level of students in higher education and their media and technology usage behaviors. This study of 198 university students was designed using quantitative methodology. A computerized sustained attention test (~65 hours) and the media and technology usage scale were used as data collection tools. According to the findings, there is a significant relationship between sustained attention levels and playing multi-user games. With the data obtained from this research, it is aimed to create a roadmap based on learner characteristics in order to define user profiles and customize designs accordingly.

Effects of Breathing Meditation Training on Sustained Attention Level, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Level, and Mental State of Operating Room Nurses.

In this paper, we explore the effects of breathing meditation training on the sustained attention level, mindfulness attention awareness level, and mental state of nurses in the operating room. We enrolled 40 nurses from September 2019 to December 2019, and divided them into a control group (N=20) and an observation group (N=20) using a random number table. The control group received routine training, based on which the observation group received breathing meditation training. We compared their sustained attention index, fatigue score, mindfulness attention awareness score, mental state score, work stress score, career satisfaction score, and career happiness index. After training, the sustained attention response time was shorter at 8:00 and 18:00 in the observation group than in the control group (p < .05). The physical fatigue score, mental fatigue score, reduced activity score, reduced motivation score, and overall fatigue score of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (p < .05). The observation group had a higher mindfulness attention awareness score than did the control group (p < .05). The SAS and SDS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (p < .05). The work stress score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, whereas the career satisfaction score and career happiness index were higher (p < .05). Breathing meditation training can improve the sustained attention level and mindfulness attention awareness level, reduce the feeling of fatigue and work stress, help adjust the mental state, and enhance the career satisfaction and career happiness of nurses in the operating room.

Modulation of Sustained Attention by Theta-tACS over the Lateral and Medial Frontal Cortices.

Theta oscillations over the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) and lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) play vital roles in sustained attention. Specifically, pMFC power and pMFC-LPFC synchronization correlate with cognitive control in sustained-attention-related tasks, but the causal relationships remain unknown. In the present study, we first analyzed the correlation between EEG theta oscillations (characterized by time-frequency power and phase-based connectivity) and the level of sustained attention (Experiment 1) and then utilized transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to modulate theta oscillations and in turn observed its effects on sustained attention (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, two time-frequency regions of interest (ROIs) were determined, in which high/low time-frequency power and high/low phase-based connectivity corresponded to high/low-level sustained attention. In Experiment 2, time-frequency power and phase-based connectivity of theta oscillations were compared between the sham and tACS groups within the time-frequency ROIs determined in Experiment 1. Results showed that phase-based connectivity between pMFC and LPFC significantly decreased in the tACS group compared with the sham group during the first five minutes of the poststimulation period. Moreover, a marginal trend existed that sustained attention was downregulated by tACS in the same time interval, suggesting that theta phase synchronization between pMFC and LPFC may play a causal role in sustained attention.

Frontal EEG-Based Multi-Level Attention States Recognition Using Dynamical Complexity and Extreme Gradient Boosting.

Measuring and identifying the specific level of sustained attention during continuous tasks is essential in many applications, especially for avoiding the terrible consequences caused by reduced attention of people with special tasks. To this end, we recorded EEG signals from 42 subjects during the performance of a sustained attention task and obtained resting state and three levels of attentional states using the calibrated response time. EEG-based dynamical complexity features and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier were proposed as the classification model, Complexity-XGBoost, to distinguish multi-level attention states with improved accuracy. The maximum average accuracy of Complexity-XGBoost were 81.39 ± 1.47% for four attention levels, 80.42 ± 0.84% for three attention levels, and 95.36 ± 2.31% for two attention levels in 5-fold cross-validation. The proposed method is compared with other models of traditional EEG features and different classification algorithms, the results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also found that the frontal EEG dynamical complexity measures were related to the changing process of response during sustained attention task. The proposed dynamical complexity approach could be helpful to recognize attention status during important tasks to improve safety and efficiency, and be useful for further brain-computer interaction research in clinical research or daily practice, such as the cognitive assessment or neural feedback treatment of individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and other diseases which affect the sustained attention function.

Enhancing Sustained Attention

Arguably, automation is fast transforming many enterprise business processes, transforming operational jobs into monitoring tasks. Consequently, the ability to sustain attention during extended periods of monitoring is becoming a critical skill. This manuscript presents a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) prototype which seeks to combat decrements in sustained attention during monitoring tasks within an enterprise system. A brain-computer interface is a system which uses physiological signals output by the user as an input. The goal is to better understand human responses while performing tasks involving decision and monitoring cycles, finding ways to improve performance and decrease on-task error. Decision readiness and the ability to synthesize complex and abundant information in a brief period during critical events has never been more important. Closed-loop control and motivational control theory were synthesized to provide the basis from which a framework for a prototype was developed to demonstrate the feasibility and value of a BCI in critical enterprise activities. In this pilot study, the BCI was implemented and evaluated through laboratory experimentation using an ecologically valid task. The results show that the technological artifact allowed users to regulate sustained attention positively while performing the task. Levels of sustained attention were shown to be higher in the conditions assisted by the BCI. Furthermore, this increased cognitive response seems to be related to increased on-task action and a small reduction in on-task errors. The research concludes with a discussion of the future research directions and their application in the enterprise.

Impaired Attentional Processing During Parabolic Flight.

Previous studies suggest that altered gravity levels during parabolic flight maneuvers affect spatial updating. Little is known about the impact of the experimental setting and psychological stressors associated with parabolic flight experiments on attentional processes. To address this gap, we investigated the level of alertness, selective and sustained attention in 1 and 0 g using a Go/No-Go Continuous Performance Task. We also identified several parameters associated with the experimental set-up of a parabolic flight that could be expected to affect attentional processing. These included the use of scopolamine, sleep quality prior to the flight day, participant’s stress level as well as mood and anxiety state before and after the parabolic flight. We observed a deterioration in attentional processing prior to the first parabola that was further aggravated in weightlessness and returned to baseline after the last parabola. Reaction Time, Hit and False Alarm Rate were moderately correlated with self-reported anxiety state, but not cortisol levels or emotional states. The use of scopolamine had minor effects on Reaction Time. Our results confirm previous studies reporting impairments of cognitive performance in 0 g, and highlight important aspects that should be considered for the design of behavioral research experiments in future parabolic flight campaigns.

The role of attention for insight problem solving: effects of mindless and mindful incubation periods

ABSTRACT Incubation periods may be beneficial for insight problem solving either because they allow to mentally disengage from incorrect solution attempts or because they provide additional opportunities to rethink a problem. We investigated whether incubation periods either filled with an easy stimulus-response task, which does not require much attention, a more difficult stimulus-response task, or a mindfulness intervention, which should both require higher sustained-attention levels, differently affect problem solving. Results showed no difference in solution rates and frequencies of Aha! Experiences between the stimulus-response-task groups, which generally thought more, and the mindfulness group, which generally thought less about yet unsolved problems during the incubation period. Results did not change when individual differences in working-memory capacity and trait mind-wandering were controlled for. These findings suggest that short incubation periods may not be overly beneficial for insight problem solving, independent of whether they allow to periodically redirect attention to pending problems or not.

Effects of sustained attention and video lecture types on learning performances

Video lectures are one of the primary learning resources embedded in e-learning environments. Many universities prepare video lectures and share them as open course materials with students. In order to make the learning process more efficient and effective, it is very important to design and personalize those learning resources for learners, taking into their needs and cognitive differences. The literature regarding how cognitively diverse users benefit from which media design is scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore the effect of video lectures types (voice over type, picture-in-picture type, and screencast type) and learners’ sustained attention levels (low, and high) on their learning performance in an e-learning environment. The research was designed as a 2 × 3 factorial design. In addition, learners’ eye movements have been recorded during study sessions. Results indicate that main effect of learners’ sustained attention levels and video lecture types on learning performance were significant. Furthermore, it was observed that both for the students with high level of sustained attention and for the students with low level of sustained attention, the use of picture-in-picture types of video lectures led higher learning performance scores. Similarly, the eye tracking analyses also supported this finding.

0207 The Effect of Naps on Inhibitory Control and Sustained Attention in Early Childhood

Abstract Introduction Sleep in adults and school-age children has been shown to improve regulatory behaviors. Specifically, slow wave sleep (SWS) disruptions have been positively associated with decreased levels of sustained attention and inhibitory control in adults, while REM sleep has been associated with inhibitory control in typically developing children. However, it is unknown whether midday naps confer a similar benefit in preschool-aged children, particularly since REM sleep is often lacking in their naps. In this study, we used a Go/No-Go task to determine whether SWS during early childhood naps benefits sustained attention and inhibitory control. We also explored nap habituality as a factor given that habitual and non-habitual nappers have different sleep architecture in adults and children. Methods Preschool children (N=22, 38–69 months) completed a Go/No-Go task, after which they either napped with polysomnography (nap condition) or stayed awake (wake condition) for an equivalent amount of time (within subject; order counterbalanced; ~1 week apart). After their nap and wake sessions, they completed the Go/No-Go task again. Results When controlling for nap frequency, participant performance (accuracy) post-session did not differ across conditions. However, by examining only the habitual nappers (5–7 days/week, N=9), we found a moderate positive correlation between percent of sleep spent in SWS and post-nap accuracy (r=0.335, p=0.037). Interestingly, we did not see the same relationship with non-habitual nappers (0–4 days/week, N=13) and found a weak negative correlation with SWS (r=0.007, p=0.031). Conclusion The findings suggest that habitually napping children show a benefit of nap SWS on regulatory behaviors while non-habitual nappers do not. Such results have important translational significance for early education settings. Support NIH R01 HL111695.

Noncredible effort on the Nonverbal-Medical Symptom Validity Test (NV-MSVT): Impact on cognitive performance in pediatric mild traumatic brain injury

This study examined failure rates on the Nonverbal-Medical Symptom Validity Test (NV-MSVT) and its impact on cognitive performance in a sample of youths with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants were 184 children and adolescents who presented to a multidisciplinary concussion clinic for a targeted neuropsychological evaluation. Performance Validity Tests (PVTs) were a part of the standard battery, including the NV-MSVT. Twenty-eight participants (15.2%) failed the NV-MSVT, none of whom displayed a genuine memory impairment profile (GMIP). Participants who failed the NV-MSVT performed significantly worse than those who passed the NV-MSVT on measures of IQ, memory, and immediate attention/working memory. There was no significant difference between groups on processing speed, sustained attention, cognitive flexibility, or sight word reading level. Aside from a slight difference in age, NV-MSVT failure was not impacted by demographic variables (sex, race), premorbid risk factors (pre-injury ADHD, learning disabilities, psychiatric diagnoses or treatment, developmental delays, or prior special education), injury-related variables (time since injury, positive neuroimaging findings, post-traumatic amnesia, number of prior mTBIs, etc.) or post-mTBI anxiety/depression. That said, participants who failed NV-MSVT endorsed significantly more severe postconcussive symptoms. These findings support the use of the NV-MSVT in neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents with mTBI.

The contribution of maternal executive functions and active coping to dyadic affective dynamics: Children with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers.

Parenting is a cognitive, emotional, and behavioral endeavor, where parents' control capacities, including executive functions and active control coping, help parents to guide and regulate interactions with their children; yet limited research investigates how these capacities are associated with parent-child affective regulation processes during parent-child interactions. This study examined whether maternal executive functions (sustained attention, interference inhibitory control, working memory) and active engaged coping were related to dyadic affective flexibility and positive mutual affective interactions between mothers and their young children with autism spectrum disorders (N = 40). Dyadic flexibility and mutual positive affect were measured using dynamic systems-based modeling of second-by-second affective patterns during a mother-child interaction. The results showed that higher levels of maternal sustained attention and inhibitory control were related to increased dyadic affective flexibility. In addition, higher levels of maternal sustained attention and higher use of engaged coping were related to dyadic mutual positive affect. The findings highlight the importance of maternal cognitive control capacity in promoting adaptive parent-child dyadic regulatory processes.

Short-Term Music Therapy Attention and Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMAART) for Prisoners with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study

ABSTRACTHyperarousal and attention problems as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being recognized as a risk for offense recidivism. Short-term Music therapy Attention and Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMAART) was designed as a first step intervention to address responsivity and treatment needs of prisoners who were not eligible for or unwilling to undergo eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This article describes a pilot study of the manualized SMAART protocol in a Penitentiary Psychiatric Center (PPC) and whether there is an increase of focused and sustained attention and a decline of arousal symptoms in prisoners suffering from PTSD, attributable to SMAART. A single case baseline-treatment-design with pre- and post-assessment (N = 13) was used. PTSD prevalence and severity were assessed using the Primary Care-PTSD screen and the PTSD Symptom Scale Interview. Selective and sustained attention was assessed using the Bourdon–Wiersma dot cancellation test. The results show a promising decline of arousal symptoms as well as improved selective and sustained attention levels in the subjects. Also, after the SMAART intervention, five participants no longer met the threshold for a PTSD diagnosis. The results show that the SMAART protocol could be implemented in the PPC-setting. Although the clinical results of the manualized SMAART protocol suggest improvement, this is a small feasibility study so the results must be interpreted with care. Suggestions for future research are offered.

Selling of Products: The Use of Single-Electrode Wireless EEG in Consumer Behavior.

The results of three different groups of customers, each exposed to a different sales technique, were compared in order to evaluate which sales technique was more effective for achieving higher levels of sustained attention. The study used the Neurosky headband to measure brainwaves in millivolts. The three compared sales techniques were: 1) the training technique for sale, termed as structured by the AIDA model; 2) the traditional sale, here called unstructured; 3) and a structured technique with the help of simultaneous stimulation by several neuroattentional pathways, prescribed by the developments of the neuroscience of consumption (CN). The results showed a statistically significant difference in achieved sustained attention levels, presenting higher levels in clients exposed to the sales training technique and ower scores in those exposed to one of the techniques used by the CN. These results are discussed in relation to the concept of sustained attention in clients when the stimulation of a single neuroattentional pathway is used as compared to the activation of several pathways simultaneously.