Integrating motivation and attention: behavioral and neural perspectives

The field of cognitive psychology has long been interested in understanding the mechanisms of spatial attention, which allows individuals to focus on specific locations within a visual scene while ignoring others. Traditionally, spatial attention has been categorized into endogenous attention, driven by internal goals, and exogenous attention, triggered by external stimuli. Recent research, however, has begun to challenge this dichotomy, suggesting a more integrated relationship between these two types of attention. For instance, studies have shown that endogenous attention can inhibit the exogenous capture of unexpected events. Despite these advances, the role of motivational factors in this interplay remains poorly understood. Motivation, encompassing both internal drives and external incentives, may significantly influence how attention is allocated, yet the exact mechanisms remain elusive. Current research is divided, with human studies often suggesting independence between spatial attention and motivation, while studies on nonhuman primates indicate potential interactions. This gap highlights the need for a more comprehensive theoretical framework to elucidate how motivation affects attentional control.

This research topic aims to investigate the role of motivational factors in influencing the interplay between endogenous and exogenous attention, as well as their impact on filtering out distracting stimuli. Specifically, the research seeks to determine whether motivational factors act independently of attentional control or exert a synergistic effect. By addressing these questions, the research aims to provide a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms and contribute to the development of a cohesive theoretical framework.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of this research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Behavioral studies examining the impact of motivation on attentional control
- Neural correlates of motivation and attention using EEG, TMS, and fMRI
- Cross-species comparisons to identify common and divergent mechanisms
- Computational models that simulate the interaction between motivation and attention
- Electrophysiological recordings to explore the temporal dynamics of these processes
- Studies investigating the role of different types of motivation (e.g., intrinsic vs. extrinsic) on attentional priorities
- Experimental paradigms that manipulate motivational states to observe changes in attentional focus

Keywords: Motivation, Attention

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