Pahlevan, Miran (2022) Does Attentional Breadth Influence Pupil Size? Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Attention can serve as an influencing factor within the psychosensory pupil response to induce pupil size change. Evidence accumulates that not only attentional direction but also attentional breadth influences pupil size. Recent findings suggest that pupil size increases as a function of attentional breadth. This means pupils dilate when attention is guided toward the periphery of our visual field as opposed to the center, where pupils constrict respectively. Data from 100 participants were split over three separate experiments in this study. Since previous studies have partly been subject to bias, we made use of two different experimental paradigms to further investigate the topic and simultaneously control for confounds such as mental effort. Via our two paradigms, we operationalized attentional breadth as either, an even spherical spread in attention toward the periphery or as a focused and covert shift of attention to a certain spot within the periphery. We did not find a difference in effect between the two paradigms. However, both paradigms allowed us to confirm our hypothesis that pupil size increases with increasing attentional breadth. This study provides further support for the fundamental understanding of the influence of attentional breadth. We aim to inspire future research to expand the conceptual and applied implications of attentional breadth. Keywords: Pupil Size, Attentional Breadth, Attention, Psychosensory Pupil Response
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Vilotijevic, A. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology (CPP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Aug 2022 09:06 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Aug 2022 09:06 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1317 |
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