Two Tasks, Two Processes: Dual-Task Insights into Habituation and Sensitization

The present study is a replication and extension of Bhangal et al., (2016). Our aim is to test if there is an increased sensitization to stimuli while in a state of a habituation of a cognitive process, more specifically, stimuli-elicited involuntary subvocalization. By using the "Habituation" variant of the Reflexive Imagery Task (RIT; Bhangal et al., 2016) participants general state of awareness is hyper-sensitized to sensory input (Groves & Thompson, 1970). We predict, following stimulus-elicited habituation, participants will perform better on the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT; Dinges & Powell, 1985). Participants will complete a within-subjects design experiment, in which habituation (pre-habituation vs. post-habituation) and task (RIT vs. No RIT) were manipulated. In the RIT block, participants will be instructed to not of the name of the repeatedly presented line drawing. In the No RIT block, participants will not be given the instruction of not thinking of the repeated presented line drawing. While completing both RIT and No RIT blocks, participants concurrently perform the PVT, with reaction times and accuracy as dependent measures. Data will be analyzed using a 2 x 2 within-subjects ANOVA. This study aims to contribute a more nuanced understanding of habituation and sensitization as a dynamic process.