The quiet eye without a target: The primacy of visual information processing

Motor-performance-enhancing effects of long final fixations before movement initiation – a phenomenon called Quiet Eye (QE) – have repeatedly been demonstrated. Drawing on the information-processing framework, it is assumed that the QE supports information processing revealed by the close link between QE duration and task demands concerning, in particular, response selection and movement parameterisation. However, the question remains whether the suggested mechanism also holds for processes referring to stimulus identification. Thus, in a series of two experiments, performance in a targeting task was tested as a function of experimentally manipulated visual processing demands as well as experimentally manipulated QE durations. The results support the suggested link because a performance-enhancing QE effect was found under increased visual processing demands only: Whereas QE duration did not affect performance as long as positional information was preserved (Experiment 1), in the full vs. no target visibility comparison, QE efficiency turned out to depend on information processing time as soon as the interval falls below a certain threshold (Experiment 2). Thus, the results rather contradict alternative, e.g., posture-based explanations of QE effects and support the assumption that the crucial mechanism behind the QE phenomenon is rooted in the cognitive domain.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of alpha brain electric fields, and cognitive modes

Brian electric activity is viewed as sequences of momentary maps of potential distribution. Frequency-domain source modeling, estimation of the complexity of the trajectory of the mapped brain field distributions in state space, and microstate parsing were used as analysis tools. Input-presentation as well as task-free (spontaneous thought) data collection paradigms were employed. We found: Alpha EEG field strength is more affected by visualizing mentation than by abstract mentation, both input-driven as well as self-generated. There are different neuronal populations and brain locations of the electric generators for different temporal frequencies of the brain field. Different alpha frequencies execute different brain functions as revealed by canonical correlations with mentation profiles. Different modes of mentation engage the same temporal frequencies at different brain locations. The basic structure of alpha electric fields implies inhomogeneity over time — alpha consists of concatenated global microstates in the sub-second range, characterized by quasi-stable field topographies, and rapid transitions between the microstates. In general, brain activity is strongly discontinuous, indicating that parsing into field landscape-defined microstates is appropriate. Different modes of spontaneous and induced mentation are associated with different brain electric microstates; these are proposed as candidates for psychophysiological ``atoms of thought''.

Significance of social cognitive remediation therapy within a comprehensive treatment concept

Objectives: The final goal in the successful treatment of schizophrenia patients is defined in improved functional recovery. Thus the integration of social cognitive tasks within a comprehensive treatment concept should offer significant advantages in generalization and transfer of therapy effects. Recent therapy outcome research supports these advantages. Empirical modeling identified social cognition as a mediating factor between neurocognition and functional recovery. Regarding this, we first developed the Integrated Psychological Therapy Program (IPT). It consists of 5 subprograms and combines interventions on neurocognition, social cognition, and social competence. As a further development of the cognitive part of IPT we developed the Integrated Neurocognitive Therapy (INT), which focuses on all social and neurocognitive domains defined by MATRICS. Methods: The aim was to investigate whether the application of the complete IPT is superior in comparison to the use of single IPT subprograms. Data were based on 37 independent IPT studies including a total sample of 1692 schizophrenia patients. Additionally, the proximal outcome in cognitive domains as well as in more distal outcome areas was investigated in an international RCT on INT including 169 schizophrenia outpatients. Results: All IPT subprogram variations obtained significant effects in proximal outcome. Each subprogram domain reached the largest effects in the targeted area. With regard to distal outcomes, combinations of subprograms showed a significant reduction of negative symptoms and an improvement in not targeted areas of functioning. This strongly supports vertical generalization effects to other functional domains. Regarding INT, results support efficacy compared to TAU in various cognitive domains, in psychosocial functioning and symptoms after therapy and at 1-year-follow-up. Conclusion: Results support evidence for the efficacy of longer lasting integrated therapy. The success of these treatment concepts is strongly based on successful therapy of social cognitive functions.