Speed-Accuracy Tradeoffs and the Role of Emotional Stimuli on the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART)

In this study we investigated the properties of the sustained attention to response task (SART). In the SART, participants respond to frequent (high probability of occurrence) neutral signals and are required to withhold response to rare (low probability of occurrence) critical signals. We examined whether SART performance shows characteristics of speed-accuracy tradeoffs and in addition, we examined whether SART performance is influenced by prior exposure to emotional picture stimuli. Thirty-three participants in this study performed SARTs after being exposed to neutral and negative picture stimuli. Performance in the SART changed rapidly over time and there was a high correlation between participants errors of commission rate and their reaction time to the neutral targets (γ = -.72). SART performance was not significantly affected by emotional stimuli, but subjective reports of arousal were significantly affected by emotional stimuli.