Understanding how our brains ignore distractions
Experience-based and intentional suppression of distracting information
This project aims to discover how our brains learn to filter out distracting information, which could help people with attention challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092909 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains constantly receive a lot of information, and it's essential to focus on what's important while ignoring what's not. This work explores the brain processes that help us effectively block out distractions. Researchers are looking at two main ways our attention works: how past experiences teach our brains to focus or ignore things, and how we intentionally choose to pay attention or tune things out. The goal is to better understand these mechanisms to help individuals manage distractions in daily life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Individuals experiencing difficulties with attention and filtering out distractions, such as those with ADHD or other cognition disorders, are the target beneficiaries of this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct interventions will not find direct benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help people, especially those with conditions like ADHD, improve their ability to focus and reduce the impact of distractions.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about focusing attention, less is understood about actively ignoring distractions, making this a crucial area of ongoing investigation.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stoermer, Viola S. — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Stoermer, Viola S.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.