Analyzing the Dynamics of Auditory Distraction Using Multigroup Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling

Advanced Structural Equation Models (SEMs) have gained popularity in recent years, but they are rarely applied in experimental psychology. We illustrate how analyzing longitudinal phenomena in repeated-measures experiments using SEM can enhance understanding of trial-level dynamics and fundamental cognitive processes. Previous work shows that children exposed to novel sounds during a visual task display increased response times in that trial and the following trial (post-novel effect), suggesting a carryover process. We reanalyzed data from adults and children to directly test this hypothesis, revealing age-related differences in attentional dynamics. We provide a comprehensive account of our analyses and parameter interpretations to help researchers who are interested in similar questions about the temporal dynamics of cognitive effects and complement our findings by a sample size simulation study assessing the model’s data requirements.