Target enhancement or distractor suppression? Functionally distinct alpha oscillations form the basis of attention. (31st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schneider, Daniel; Herbst, Sophie K.; Klatt, Laura‐Isabelle; Wöstmann, Malte
• Editors: Keitel, Christian
• Other Names: Keitel Christian guestEditor.; Ruxxoli Manuela guestEditor.; Dugué Laura guestEditor.; Busch Niko A. guestEditor.; Benwell Christopher SY guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 55:Number 11/12(2022)
• Page Start: 3256
• Page End: 3265
• Publication Date: 2021-05-31
• Subjects: alpha rhythm -- attention -- distractor suppression -- neural oscillation -- target enhancement; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

Abstract: Recent advances in attention research have been propelled by the debate on target enhancement versus distractor suppression. A predominant neural correlate of attention is the modulation of alpha oscillatory power (~10 Hz), which signifies shifts of attention in time, space and between sensory modalities. However, the underspecified functional role of alpha oscillations limits the progress of tracking down the neurocognitive basis of attention. In this short opinion article, we review and critically examine a synthesis of three conceptual and methodological aspects that are indispensable for a mechanistic understanding of the role of alpha oscillations for attention. (a) Precise mapping of the anatomical source and the temporal response profile of neural signals reveals distinct alpha oscillatory processes that implement facilitatory versus suppressive components of attention. (b) A testable framework enables unanimous association of alpha modulation with either target enhancement or different forms of distractor suppression (active vs. automatic). (c) Linking anatomically specified alpha oscillations to behavior reveals the causal nature of alpha oscillations for attention. The three reviewed aspects substantially enrich study design, data analysis and interpretation of results to achieve the goal of understanding how anatomically specified and functionally relevant neural oscillations contribute to the implementation of facilitatory versus suppressive components of attention. Abstract : Recent advances in attention research have been propelled by the debate on target enhancement versus distractor suppression. A major neural correlate of attention is the modulation of alpha oscillatory power (~10 Hz), which signifies shifts of attention in time, space and between modalities. This opinion article reviews and critically examines conceptual and methodological key aspects that are indispensable for a mechanistic understanding of the role of neural alpha oscillations for attention.