Linking Neural States and Performance: The Configural Superiority Effect and Perception-Action Model
Publication Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Kevin Bennett, Ph.D. (Advisor); Joseph Houpt, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Scott Watamaniuk, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jason Parker, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Establishing biomarkers for neural states linked to performance is a current key research topic. The objective of the present study was to establish initial links between neurophysiological indices of the cognitive and perception processes and performance in the context of analogical display. A functional MRI was used to measure neural activity during perception of the configural superiority effect (a series of analogical displays that have shown clear performance differences based on emergent feature). Response time and accuracy were recorded to determine performance. Findings showed behavioral and neural differences between the displays. The most notable result was the increased performance being related to greater activation along the dorsal and ventral streams. Both behavioral and neurophysiological findings are explained in terms of the perception action model. The findings from this study provide a starting point for establishing a link between neurophysiological indices and higher-order behavioral outcomes with future studies expanding to more complex and dynamic displays.
Page Count
44
Department or Program
Department of Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2014
Copyright
Copyright 2014, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
