Spatial attention is the process that enables us to scrutinize one region of visual space at the expense of others. Surprisingly little is known about the neural mechanisms of attention. We will use fMRI technology to investigate the effects of spatial attention in several early visual areas (V1, V2, V3, V3A, V4, VP, MT, and the LGN). First, we intend to localize and further quantify the effects of spatial attention observed in these early visual areas. We will map the retinotopic organization of attentional effects and determine whether the pattern and magnitude of activity observed in the brain correlates with the location and degree to which spatial attention is allocated. Second, we seek to localize the regions of extrastriate visual cortex that respond when attention is differentially allocated to specific object features. Third, we hope to establish a quantitative and predictable relationship between neural activity and behavioral responses during tasks that tax attentional resources. These results will shed light on the neural substrates of attention and will hopefully provide valuable information that leads to a treatment for attention-related ailments such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32EY007028-03
Application #
6498303
Study Section
Visual Sciences B Study Section (VISB)
Program Officer
Oberdorfer, Michael
Project Start
2002-01-17
Project End
Budget Start
2002-01-17
Budget End
2003-01-16
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$44,212
Indirect Cost
Name
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Department
Type
DUNS #
005436803
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037