Parallel processing of affective visual stimuli

Psychophysiology. 2009 Jan;46(1):200-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2008.00755.x. Epub 2008 Nov 25.

Abstract

Event-related potential (ERP) studies of affective picture processing have demonstrated an early posterior negativity (EPN) for emotionally arousing pictures that are embedded in a rapid visual stream. The present study examined the selective processing of emotional pictures while systematically varying picture presentation rates between 1 and 16 Hz. Previous results with presentation rates up to 5 Hz were replicated in that emotional compared to neutral pictures were associated with a greater EPN. Discrimination among emotional and neutral contents was maintained up to 12 Hz. To explore the notion of parallel processing, convolution analysis was used: EPNs generated by linear superposition of slow rate ERPs explained 70%-93% of the variance of measured EPNs, giving evidence for an impressive capacity of parallel affective discrimination in rapid serial picture presentation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect / physiology*
  • Algorithms
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Visual Perception / physiology*
  • Young Adult