Leiden University Student Repository

Maas, Astrid (2022)

Dual Dot Probe Taak voor automatische aandacht voor dreiging: En de relatie met angst en aandachtcontrole en inzicht in de betrouwbaarheid van de taak

Bachelor thesis | Psychologie (BSc)

In this study we tried to replicate the previously found relation between attentional bias to threat and trait-anxiety (measured with the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), using the Dual Dot Probe Task. The relationship between attentional bias and attentional control (measured with the Derryberry & Reed’s Trait attentional Control Scale) was also studied. Individual differences in attentional control could moderate the threat level of the attentional bias, more attentional control could lead to a better reaction to different experienced threat levels. In this study there is also attention for the effects of different threat levels (mild and high). According to Mogg and Bradley’s Model (1998) people adjust themselves when the threat level changes. According to this model people with low anxiety direct no attention to mild threatening stimuli, but do direct attention to high threatening stimuli. People with high anxiety are expected to direct more attention to mild...Show moreIn this study we tried to replicate the previously found relation between attentional bias to threat and trait-anxiety (measured with the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), using the Dual Dot Probe Task. The relationship between attentional bias and attentional control (measured with the Derryberry & Reed’s Trait attentional Control Scale) was also studied. Individual differences in attentional control could moderate the threat level of the attentional bias, more attentional control could lead to a better reaction to different experienced threat levels. In this study there is also attention for the effects of different threat levels (mild and high). According to Mogg and Bradley’s Model (1998) people adjust themselves when the threat level changes. According to this model people with low anxiety direct no attention to mild threatening stimuli, but do direct attention to high threatening stimuli. People with high anxiety are expected to direct more attention to mild threatening stimuli en show avoidance for high threatening stimuli. The results in this study show no attentional bias for high or mild threat within the sample. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Dual Dot Probe Task was also studied, both of them were found to be very high. Further research will have to show whether an attentional bias to threat will be found with a shorter cure target delay (shorter than 500ms), and if the very high reliability of the Dual Dot Probe Task can be replicated.Show less

Aandacht bias, aandacht controle, dual dot probe taak, angst

Author

Maas, Astrid

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Clinical Neuropsychology

Supervisors

Putman, P.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

nl