Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany.
Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany; Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Germany.
Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2022 Apr;135:104580. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104580. Epub 2022 Feb 19.
Load Theory assumes that the extent of processing of task-irrelevant information depends on the level (high vs. low load) and type (perceptual vs. working memory) of task load. In this review, we address the neuroscientific perspective on Load Theory by a systematic evaluation of neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies, which manipulated perceptual or working memory load and reported brain responses to task-irrelevant unimodal and crossmodal stimuli. Studies show: (1) Load effects can be observed across the whole processing stream from subcortical areas to higher cortical areas, (2) both higher perceptual and working memory load lead to decreased distractor processing, (3) event-related potential studies suggest that load effects occur more reliably the later the ERP component and (4) load effects occur both within and across modalities. Thus, findings are at least partially consistent with assumptions of Load Theory. Based on the reviewed studies and theoretical and methodological considerations, we provide several suggestions, which might help to improve future research in the field.
负荷理论假设，任务无关信息的处理程度取决于任务负荷的水平（高与低）和类型（知觉与工作记忆）。在这篇综述中，我们通过对神经影像学和电生理学研究的系统评估，从神经科学的角度探讨了负荷理论，这些研究操纵了知觉或工作记忆负荷，并报告了对任务无关的单模态和跨模态刺激的大脑反应。研究表明：（1） 负荷效应可以从皮质下区域到更高的皮质区域的整个处理过程中观察到；（2） 较高的知觉和工作记忆负荷都会导致分心物处理减少；（3） 事件相关电位研究表明，负荷效应在 ERP 成分越晚出现时越可靠；（4） 负荷效应在模态内和模态间都发生。因此，这些发现至少部分与负荷理论的假设一致。基于综述的研究以及理论和方法上的考虑，我们提出了一些建议，这可能有助于改进该领域的未来研究。
