Is Attentional Resource Allocation Across Sensory Modalities Task-Dependent?

Abstract

Human information processing is limited by attentional resources. That is, via attentional mechanisms, humans select a limited amount of sensory input to process while other sensory input is neglected. In multisensory research, a matter of ongoing debate is whether there are distinct pools of attentional resources for each sensory modality or whether attentional resources are shared across sensory modalities. Recent studies have suggested that attentional resource allocation across sensory modalities is in part task-dependent. That is, the recruitment of attentional resources across the sensory modalities depends on whether processing involves object-based attention (e.g., the discrimination of stimulus attributes) or spatial attention (e.g., the localization of stimuli). In the present paper, we review findings in multisensory research related to this view. For the visual and auditory sensory modalities, findings suggest that distinct resources are recruited when humans perform object-based attention tasks, whereas for the visual and tactile sensory modalities, partially shared resources are recruited. If object-based attention tasks are time-critical, shared resources are recruited across the sensory modalities. When humans perform an object-based attention task in combination with a spatial attention task, partly shared resources are recruited across the sensory modalities as well. Conversely, for spatial attention tasks, attentional processing does consistently involve shared attentional resources for the sensory modalities. Generally, findings suggest that the attentional system flexibly allocates attentional resources depending on task demands. We propose that such flexibility reflects a large-scale optimization strategy that minimizes the brain’s costly resource expenditures and simultaneously maximizes capability to process currently relevant information.

Combining 3D-MOT with motor and perceptual decision-making tasks: conception of a life-sized virtual perceptual-cognitive training paradigm

“…As described previously, performing two tasks with common sensory modalities (e.g. visual) leads to an important interference on task performance (Arrighi, Lunardi et al 2011, Wahn andKonig 2017). The results observed in Experiment 2 seem to support that this type of combination impacts training effectiveness as well, compared to when the two tasks are from different sensory modalities (Experiment 1).…”

“…Previously, Arrighi and colleagues (2011) found that a MOT task selectively interfered with a visual discrimination task sharing common attentional resources, compared to an auditory discrimination task (Arrighi, Lunardi et al 2011). In their review, Wahn and Konig (2017) also supported that simultaneously performing a visual spatial attention task and an object-based attention task recruits partially shared attentional resources which can explain a superior interference compared to when tasks are from different sensory modalities (Wahn and Konig 2017). Based on this evidence, it is suggested that the perceptual nature of the combined task in Experiment 2 was responsible for the greater interference compared to Experiment 1 (motor decision-making task).…”

“…An additional objective was to observe the impact of the nature of the decision-making task on the combined training outcome. Indeed, there is more evidence that the amount of sensory modalities shared between the combined tasks can impact attentional resources available for task performance (see Wahn and Konig 2017 for a recent review). In this regard, two experiments were conducted.…”

Group benefits in joint perceptual tasks—a review

“…Participants performed the visual search task faster when receiving the viewing information via the tactile or auditory modalities as compared to the visual sensory modality. This multisensory benefit has been explained by the larger availability of attentional resources across sensory modalities compared to within one sensory modality . These results suggest that an already existing collective benefit in joint visuospatial tasks can be enhanced by exchanging information between coactors via other sensory modalities than vision.…”

Modality-specific and multisensory mechanisms of spatial attention and expectation

“…This raises the critical question of whether allocation of attention and encoding of signal probability are performed in a modality-specific fashion or interactively across sensory modalities. Previous research has suggested that spatial attention relies on cognitive resources that are partially shared across sensory modalities (Eimer & Driver, 2001; Wahn & König 2015, 2017). For instance, Spence & Driver (1996) manipulated spatial attention by presenting signals with a higher probability in the attended relative to unattended hemifield in one modality only (i.e., primary modality).…”