# How Does Attention and Arousal Interact to Modulate Vision?

> **NIH NIH F31** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2024 · $12,478

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Attention and arousal states play critical roles in influencing how we process information, from moment to
moment. While attention is believed to be strongly coupled with arousal states, the interaction between, and
independent properties of, attention and arousal in modulating visual processing remains poorly understood. In
this proposed research, I will employ a combination of novel functional neuroimaging methods and computational
modeling to examine how attention and arousal influence vision. Specifically, I will examine the modulatory role
of attention and arousal on one of the cornerstone properties of vision, contrast sensitivity—the ability to detect
an object from its background. After disentangling the independent and interactive modulatory effects of arousal
and attention on contrast processing, I will build arousal into computational models of attention in order to gain
insight into the potential canonical computations carried out by arousal and attention in influencing vision, which
in turn has the potential to shape a wide-range of downstream processes such as memory, decision-making,
and navigation. By revealing the extent and role to which attention and arousal alters early vision, results from
this proposal could further our understanding of the cortical and subcortical visual function of people with
abnormal arousal levels (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, general anxiety disorder), and with potential
applications down the road in guiding the diagnoses and treatment of disorders that involve atypical arousal
levels.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10790004
- **Project number:** 5F31EY033650-03
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** Jasmine Pan
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $12,478
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-03-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10790004

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10790004, How Does Attention and Arousal Interact to Modulate Vision? (5F31EY033650-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10790004. Licensed CC0.

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