Chidharom, M. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2025

Decoding Distraction From the Human Brain: A Unique Neural Signature Beyond Failures of Selective Attention and Control

Attentional lapses are a ubiquitous feature of cognition, yet their underlying causes remain poorly understood. Theories of sustained attention often point to failures of cognitive control in maintaining the task-set, while data-driven approaches suggest that lapses may instead reflect a breakdown in the selection of task-relevant information. This study aimed to characterize the neural mechanisms of sustained attention lapses and to test whether EEG-based signatures of lapse-prone states are distinct from signatures of failures of selective attention and task-set maintenance. Twenty adults completed a sustained attention go/no-go task while focusing on either numbers or letters, with EEG recorded simultaneously. Poor sustained attention was examined at two complementary levels: trial-level lapses, defined as no-go errors, and attentional states, derived from reaction-time variability and categorized as "in-the-zone" versus "out-of-the-zone". Across both levels, suboptimal sustained attention was associated with attenuated event-related potentials, most notably a reduced parietal P3 amplitude and weaker whole-scalp inter-electrode correlation. To isolate a unique EEG marker of lapse-prone state, a machine-learning classifier decoded attentional state from EEG activity. Cross-validated accuracy reached [~]80% and remained robust after controlling for reaction time. Finally, representational similarity analysis confirmed that this neural signature was dissociable from stimulus-side selection and task-set maintenance.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Objective Markers of Sustained Attention Fluctuate Independently of Mind-Wandering Reports

Sustained attention fluctuates between periods of good and poor attentional performance. Two major methodologies exist to study these fluctuations: an objective approach that identifies "in-the-zone" states of consistent response times (RTs) and "out-of-the-zone" states of erratic RTs and a subjective approach that asks participants whether they are on-task or mind wandering. Although both approaches effectively predict attentional lapses, it remains unclear whether they capture the same or distinct attentional fluctuations. We combined both approaches within a single sustained attention task requiring frequent responses and response inhibition to rare targets to explore their consistency (N=40). Behaviorally, both objective out-of-the-zone and subjective mind-wandering states were associated with more attentional lapses. However, the percentage of time spent out-of-the-zone did not differ between on-task and mind-wandering periods and both objective and subjective states independently predicted error-proneness, suggesting that the two methods do not capture the same type of attention fluctuations. Whereas attentional preparation before correct inhibitions was greater during out-of-the-zone compared to in-the-zone periods, preparation did not differ by subjective state. In contrast, post-error slowing differed by both objective and subjective states, but in opposite directions: slowing was observed when participants were objectively out-of-the-zone or subjectively on-task. Overall, our results provide evidence that objective and subjective approaches capture distinct attention fluctuations during sustained attention tasks. Integrating both objective and subjective measures is crucial for fully understanding the mechanisms underlying our ability to remain focused.

neuroscience↗