A Simple Model of Attentional Blink

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simple dynamical systems model explaining the attentional blink as a consequence of the brain's attention resource dynamics, influenced by default mode network activity and mental training effects.

Contribution

It presents a novel, parsimonious model linking attentional blink, default mode network activity, and mental training, offering new testable predictions.

Findings

Model explains AB as a thresholded response of a stochastic system.

Links reduced DMN activity to improved attentional capacity.

Provides testable predictions connecting meditation and attention.

Abstract

The attentional blink (AB) effect is the reduced ability of subjects to report a second target stimuli (T2) among a rapidly presented series of non-target stimuli, when it appears within a time window of about 200-500 ms after a first target (T1). We present a simple dynamical systems model explaining the AB as resulting from the temporal response dynamics of a stochastic, linear system with threshold, whose output represents the amount of attentional resources allocated to the incoming sensory stimuli. The model postulates that the available attention capacity is limited by activity of the default mode network (DMN), a correlated set of brain regions related to task irrelevant processing which is known to exhibit reduced activation following mental training such as mindfulness meditation. The model provides a parsimonious account relating key findings from the AB, DMN and meditation research literature, and suggests some new testable predictions.