ORIENTING OF ATTENTION IN DEAFFERENTED PATIENTS

Visual attentional processes were compared in two deafferented patient s and 11 normal subjects. Two consecutive stimuli were presented in ra pid succession in one of two locations. A peripheral cue first oriente d attention to one location where a response was requested. After 100 msec, a second response was required at either the same or opposite lo cation (valid vs invalid cue). Four probabilities of valid cue occurre nce were presented: 100, 80, 50 and 20%. Results showed (1) faster rea ction times for the second response on cued than on uncued signals; (2 ) greater attentional effects with increased cue probability; (3) smal ler attentional effects in patients. These findings suggest that the p atients adopted a cost-minimizing strategy.