['To explore the modulation of auditory steady-state response (ASSR) by experimental tasks, differing in attentional focus and arousal level.', '20 Hz and 40 Hz click trains were used to elicit ASSRs. Experiment 1 consisted of two runs of closed eyes and two runs of open eyes. Experiment 2 consisted of six tasks: counting 20 Hz and 40 Hz stimuli, sitting with closed and open eyes, reading an article, and performing a search task. Phase locking factor, evoked amplitude and total intensity were decomposed by non-negative multi-way factorization.', 'The total intensity of 40 Hz ASSR was enhanced during closed eyes condition in comparison to the open eyes condition. The evoked amplitude and phase locking factor of 40 Hz ASSR were attenuated during distraction, while there were no differences between attention to stimulation and no task. 20 Hz ASSR and 20 Hz ASSR-related 40 Hz activity were not modulated by the tasks.'] Does distraction task rather than focal attention modulate gamma activity associated with auditory steady-state responses ( ASSRs )?