Effect of Attentional Capture and Cross-Modal Interference in Multisensory Cognitive Processing

Effect of Attentional Capture and Cross-Modal Interference in Multisensory Cognitive Processing by Michael Jennings MS, University of Pittsburgh, 1994 MA, University of Dayton, 1977 BS, Central State University, 1975 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy General Research Psychology Walden University February 2018 Abstract Despite considerable research, the effects of common types of noise on verbal and spatial information processing are still relatively unknown. Three experiments, using convenience sampling were conducted to investigate the effect of auditory interference on the cognitive performance of 24 adult men and women during the Stroop test, perception of object recognition and spatial location tasks, and the perception of object size, shape, and spatial location tasks. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance and 1-way multivariate analysis of variance. The Experiment 1 findings indicated reaction time performance for gender and age group was affected by auditory interference between experimental conditions, and recognition accuracy was affected only by experimental condition. The Experiment 2a results showed reaction time performance for recognizing object features was affected by auditory interference between age groups, and recognition accuracy by experimental condition. The Experiment 2b results demonstrated reaction time performance for detecting the spatial location of objects was affected by auditory interference between age groups. In addition, reaction time was affected by the type of interference and spatial location. Further, recognition accuracy was affected by interference condition and spatial location. The Experiment 3 findings suggested reaction time performance for assessing part-whole relationships was affected by auditory interference between age groups. Further, recognition accuracy was affected by interference condition between experimental groups. This study may create social change by affecting the design of learning and workplace environments, the neurological correlates of auditory and visual stimuli, and the pathologies of adults such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Despite considerable research, the effects of common types of noise on verbal and spatial information processing are still relatively unknown. Three experiments, using convenience sampling were conducted to investigate the effect of auditory interference on the cognitive performance of 24 adult men and women during the Stroop test, perception of object recognition and spatial location tasks, and the perception of object size, shape, and spatial location tasks. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance and 1-way multivariate analysis of variance. The Experiment 1 findings indicated reaction time performance for gender and age group was affected by auditory interference between experimental conditions, and recognition accuracy was affected only by experimental condition. The Experiment 2a results showed reaction time performance for recognizing object features was affected by auditory interference between age groups, and recognition accuracy by experimental condition. The Experiment 2b results demonstrated reaction time performance for detecting the spatial location of objects was affected by auditory interference between age groups. In addition, reaction time was affected by the type of interference and spatial location. Further, recognition accuracy was affected by interference condition and spatial location. The Experiment 3 findings suggested reaction time performance for assessing part-whole relationships was affected by auditory interference between age groups. Further, recognition accuracy was affected by interference condition between experimental groups. This study may create social change by affecting the design of learning and workplace environments, the neurological correlates of auditory and visual stimuli, and the pathologies of adults such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Effect of Attentional Capture and Cross-Modal Interference in Multisensory Cognitive Processing by Michael Jennings MS, University of Pittsburgh, 1994 MA, University of Dayton, 1977 BS, Central State University, 1975 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy General Research Psychology Walden University February 2018 Dedication I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my mother, Dorothy F. Jennings, and my father, James H. Jennings, both of whom passed away before they could witness the completion of my doctoral studies and this great academic achievement. I also dedicate this dissertation to my wife, Kriza A. Jennings who unselfishly provided solace when needed, her compassion and commitment to listening to my cogitations and pontifications, while completing this great work. I also dedicate this work to my sister, Brenda who inspired me to seek and pursue academic excellence by setting the example and serving as a role model in my early years of education. Through the years, I have remembered this example and strived to continue the pursuit of higher education and lifelong learning. With continued love for you all, I am proud to have achieved this academic honor, and it is your faith and belief in me that kept me going for all of these years to complete my doctoral studies. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge the many people who provided the support necessary obtaining this achievement. I thank my committee member for all of their support. I especially thank Dr. John Schmidt, my committee chair and Dr. John Deaton, committee member for their guidance, support and encouragement, and Dr. Patti Barrows for her meaningful and constructive reviews during the dissertation process for the completion of this journey. I also acknowledge my coworkers and friends at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, some of whom were participants in the doctoral study, and others who facilitated the acquisition of the research site. I would also like to acknowledge Ramesh Pai, my branch chief, who supported me in my efforts to return to school, Cheryl Newberger, Toby Bennett, and Scott Williams for your encouragement and administrative support. Finally, I acknowledge all of my professors and students I met in classes and at residencies along the way who gave me inspiration, support, and hope, and the willingness to continue. Your contributions were more valuable than you will ever know.