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Stephen W. Porges
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ABSTRACT
RESPIRATORY AND HEART RATE COMPONENTS OF ATTENTION
BY
Stephen W. Porges

The respiratory and heart rate (HR) components of attentive
observation to external stimuli (60 db tone, dim flashing light) and to
an internal stimulus (S_s' own HR) were investigated. 48 male college
students were assigned to 4 groups: one group estimated their HR, a
second group estimated the rate of a series of intermittent tones, a
third group counted light flashes, and a fourth group watched a light
ﬂash. is received 10 trials of 26 sec. duration with random variable
intertrial intervals. The results indicated that attentive observation
produced significant increases in frequency and decreases in ampli-
tude of respiration and decreases in HR variance. The HR response
pattern during the first 10 sec. of the trial differentiated between the
" groups; HR accelerated for internal observation and decelerated for
external observation. gs who estimated the rate of a tone were signi-
ficantly more accurate than S_s who estimated their own HR. HR, HR
variance, and respiration amplitude decreased across trials, while
respiration frequency remained constant. An interpretation of the re-
sults suggests that although concomitant, HR and respiratory responses

from attending to neutral stimuli appear to be independent.

Approved:/[Z{’g 144/” (2 LCM; 1th
Thesis Committee:
D. C. Raskin, Chairman Date: LMéW/y: /%f
F. E. Donelson V ’
H. E. Fritzgerald

 

RESPIRATORY AND HEART RATE COMPONENTS OF ATTENTION

BY

\ 1."

Stephen W.':‘Porges

A' THESIS

Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTERS OF ARTS
Department of Psychology

1968

', ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Sincere appreciation is expressed to Dr. David C. Raskin,
Chairman of the thesis committee, for his instruction, guidance,
and the use of his equipment. His criticisms, suggestions, and en-
couragement have been instrumental to the success of this study.

The author would like to thank Dr. F. Elaine Donelson,
whose commentary during the initial phase of this research endeav-
or was extremely helpful, and Dr. Hiram E. Fritzgerald who reviewed
the final manuscript.

A special thanks is expressed to James Beaver who provided

the data analysis routines for the CDC 3600 Computer.

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................. ii

LIST OF TABLES ................................... iv

LIST OF FIGURES ................................... v
Chapter

I. INTRODUCTION ......................... 1

II. METHOD ................................ 5

III. RESULTS ................................ 9

IV. DISCUSSION ............................. 22

REFERENCES ..................................... 26

iii

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1. Analysis of Variance of Respiration
Frequency as a Function of Groups
for Periods over Trials ...................... 12

2. Analysis of Variance of Respiration
Amplitude as a Function of Groups
for Periods over Trials ....................... 12

3. Analysis of Variance of Heart Rate
as Function of Groups for Periods
across Trials over Seconds ................... .15

4. Analysis of Variance of Heart Rate
Variance as a Function of Groups
for Periods over Trials ....................... 20

5. Analysis of Variance of Heart Rate

as a Function of Groups over Trials
for the Evoked Period ........................ 20

iv

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page
1 . Mean Respiration Frequency as a

Function of Trials for Periods ................. 10
2. Mean Respiration Amplitude as a

Function of Trials for Periods ................. 11
3. Mean Heart Rate as a Function of

Trials for Periods ........................... .14
4. Mean Heart Rate Variance as a

Function of Trials ............................ 16
5. Mean Heart Rate Variance as a

Function of Periods for Groups ................ 17
6. Mean Heart Rate as a Function

of Seconds for Groups during the

Evoked Period ............................... 19

RESPIRATORY AND HEART RATE COMPONENTS OF ATTENTION
Stephen W. Porges

Michigan State University

In recent years there has been considerable interest in the physio-
logical components of attention. The varied experimental reports have
demonstrated that attentive observation results in different heart rate
(HR) patterns; studies have found HR acceleration (Lynn, 1966; Sokolov,
1960, 1963), HR deceleration (Lacey, 1959; Wood 8: Obrist, 1964), and
changes in HR variability (Hnatiow 8c Lang, 1965; Lang, Sroufe, 8: Has-
tings, 1967; Lacey, 1967).
Lacey (1967) has noted that attentive observation of the external
environment produces cardiac stabilization. HR deceleration has been
Well substantiated in experimental situations requiring S to pay atten-

tion (Lacey, 1959; Notterman, 1953; Graham 8: Clifton, 1966; Chase,

Graham, 8: Graham, 1968). However, inconsistencies have been found

in the interpretation of the accelerative HR response. Lacey (1959) has
maintained that cardiovascular responses such as increased HR may
1ead to inhibitory effects on environmental inputs and motor outputs,
While the acceleratory HR response has been interpreted by Sokolov

(1 960, 1963) as a component of the orienting reﬂex (OR). The OR,
v"’17li<:h corresponds in part to the concept of attention, produces a
heightened sensitivity to environmental stimulation. This inconsistency

betheen Sokolov and Lacey, according to Graham and Clifton (1966),

may reflect two different aspects of a diphasic response, HR accelera-
ation being the initial phasic reaction, and deceleration a later, more
prolonged, tonic response.

Hnatiow and Lang (1965) have reported evidence that human SS
learned to reduce HR variability when attending to a visual display pro-
Viding synchronous feedback of their own HR. The increased stability
was not accompanied by significant changes in average HR, and was

relatively unrelated to respiration changes. Brener and Hothersall
(1966) have extended this finding with evidence that SS who were pro-
vided with exteroceptive feedback of cardiac behavior were able to con-
trol their HR. During the periods in which Es were instructed to in-
crease their HR, it was reported that the respiratory patterns were
more erratic than those recorded in the periods in which gs were in-
structed to decrease their HR. In a later study, Brener and Hothersall
(1967) confirmed their previous finding when _S_s were provided with
sensory feedback. They concluded that HR control may occur inde-
pendently of changes in respiratory behavior. Engel and Chism (1967)
have indicated that changes in respiration frequency do not affect aver-
a~ge HR, but that increased respiration frequency may decrease the
HR variability. Similarly, Wescott and Huttenlocher (1961) have noted
that the amplitude of the HR arrhythmia is a direct function of respira-
tiOn.
Three conﬂicting reports of the respiratory components of at-

t -
en-tlon have been noted. Petelina (1965) found that the respiratory com-

330nent of the OR to a tone was characterized'by pauses and diininisned
frequency and amplitude, while repetitive stimulation was characterized
by increased respiratory frequency and amplitude. Polezhaev (1965)
noted that during the presentation of a neutral stimulus, dogs strenu-
ously listened and looked in the direction of the source of stimulation.
Simultaneously, some distinct and characteristic changes consisting
of rapid and shallow breathing occurred. In cases of intense stimuli,
respiratory components of the OR according to Polezhaev have the
same characteristics. Lynn (1966) stated that regardless of the inten-
sity of the stimulus, the respiratory compcnents of the OR were char-
acterized by pauses in respiration followed by an increase in ampli-
tude and a decrease in frequency.

The present study was designed with six objectives: 1) to
determine the changes in respiration amplitude and frequency con-
comitant with attention, 2) to determine the effect of attention on mean
HR and on HR variance, 3) to compare the HR pattern elicited by at-
tentive observation of the external environment with the HR pattern
elicited by attentive observation of an internal observation, 4) to
determine the nature of across-trial changes in HR, HR variance,
respiration frequency, and respiration amplitude, 5) to determine
if there is a relationship between respiration changes and HR, and

6) to determine if _S_s can perceive internal stimuli arising from their

Own cardiac activity with the same accuracy that they perceive external

stimuli.

4
This experiment attempted to present a situation in which
some basic problems could be answered. The SS were divided into
:four groups. Each group was instructed to perform a different at-
tentional task. To answer the question of whether S_s are able to
perceive internal stimuli as accurately as they perceive external
stimuli, one group was instructed to match the rate of a variable
flashing light to the rate of an external stimulus consisting of a
series of intermittent tones, and another group was instructed to
match the rate of the flashing light to an internal stimulus, their
own HR. A comparison of the accuracy of the two groups was made
to answer the above question. A third group was instructed to count
the number of flashes in each trial and to record this number fol-
lowing the termination of each trial, and the final group was in-
structed only to watch the light ﬂash. The physiological components
were compared to see if the different tasks resulted in different re-
sponse patterns and if there were differences between the group in-
structed to attend internally and the other groups, which were instructed
to attend externally. In the process of fulfilling the experiment's ob-
jectives this study attempted to characterize the physiology of at-

tention in terms of respiratory and HR components.

Method
Subjects. -- Forty-eight volunteers from introductory psycho-
logy courses at Michigan State University received research credit for
serving as is. As they appeared at the laboratory, they were assigned
to experimental conditions according to a predetermined random schedule.

Apparatus. -- Stimuli were programmed by means of punch-

 

ed paper tape and were presented automatically using electronic timers.
The tones were produced by an Eico model 377 audio generator from
which a 1000 Hz tone was amplified by a Dynaco Mark IV amplifier and
presented to S via Sharpe HA 10 headphones. The intensity of the tone
was 60 db with a duration of 60 msec. The matching apparatus consist-
ed of a ﬂashing neon light from a modified Crystal Lab Metronoma
mounted on a panel which was placed on a table in front of _S_. S could
control the rate at which the light flashed by a knob mounted on the
right armrest of a padded arm chair in which Swas seated. Since the
rate of ﬂashing of the Metronoma could not be controlled by E, is
who were not instructed to perform a matching task observed a small
tungsten light with an adjustable diaphragm set at a light intensity equiv-
alent to the neon light. The ambient noise level of the subject room was
34 db, and the temperature of the room was kept fairly constant at ap-
proximately 700 F.

The physiological responses and Ss' estimates of the rates
were continuously recorded on a Beckman Type R Dynograph at a

paper speed of 5mm/sec. All of the recording sites were cleaned

‘

6

with 70% ethanol prior to the application of the electrodes. Zinc cup
electrodes with a surface area of 3.14 sq. cm. and filled with Beck-
man electrode paste were used to record HR from EKG lead II. The
HR was measured with a BecMan 9857 cardiotachometer. Respira-
tion was monitored with a Parks Electronics 12 in. mercury strain
gauge attached around the chest by a Velcro fastener. Changes in
chest circumference were measured by a Beckman 9875 mercury
strain gauge coupler. Ss' estimates were recorded by the voltage
produced by the Metronoma which was proportionate to the rate

of the ﬂashing light. This voltage was measured by a Beckman AC/
DC coupler and the deflection of the polygraph pen recorded the
estimate.

Procedure. -- The _S_s were randomly assigned to one of

 

four groups. The heart rate estimation group (HRE) was instructed
to match the rate of the flashing light with the rate at which they
perceived their heart to be beating. The tone-light group (T-L) was
instructed to match the rate of the flashing light to the rate at which
the intermittent tones were presented. The light-count group (L-C)
was instructed to count the number of ﬂashes the light made during
each trial. The light gmup (L) was instructed to watch the light ﬂash.
The _S_ was seated in a comfortable armchair in a sound-
attenuated room. After the pickups were attached, E calibrated the

recording equipment and then read the instructions which informed

_S_ of his task. The headphones were placed on Sand E entered the equip-
ment room. The room was darkened and the stimuli were then present-
ed by the automatic equipment. Ten trials were administered to each

S. The four groups had the same intertrial interval schedule of random
variable intervals of 40, 60, and 80 sec. and the same trial duration of
26 sec. Each trial began when the light started to ﬂashThe HRE and T-L
groups were instructed to control the rate of the flashing light by the
knob mounted on the right arm rest. At the cessation of each trial the
light stopped flashing and the SS in the HRE and T-L groups were in-
structed to turn the knob to the extreme left to insure independent
matches. The intermittent tones for the T—L group were presented

at rates of 50, 70, or 90 per min. in random order across the 10 trials.
The L-C group was instructed merely to watch the light. For the L-C
and L groups the light was flashed at the same rates as the tone was
presented for the T-L group.

Quantification of the data. -- The responses during each of

 

the 10 trials were scored for HR and respiration. Each trial was di-
vided into three periods, a pre period consisting of the 10 sec. prior
to the trial onset, an evoked period consisting of the first 10 sec. of
the trial, and a final period consisting of the final 10 sec. of the trial.
Respiration was analyzed by counting the frequency of initiation and
termination of inspirations, and by measuring the mean amplitude of

complete inspirations in each period in mm. of pen deﬂection. HR in

8
beats per min. was scored for each sec. interval in each period. IF
more than one beat occurred during the sec. interval only the final
beat was scored. The HR response was evaluated by a comparison of
variabilities in the three periods and by a sec. -by-sec. analysis of
HR during the evoked period. The variability analysis used the HR
variance of each period as a test statistic in an analysis of variance
design. The estimates of the HR and the tone were quantified by using
the last position of the pen at the end of the final period of each trial.
The error of the HR estimate was calculated by subtracting the HR
estimate from the actual mean HR of the final period. The error of the
tone estimate was calculated by subtracting the estimate from the

actual rate.

‘ '§

Results

Respiration measures. -- The me an respiration frequency

 

as a function of trials is shown for thethreeperiods in Figure 1. It can
be seen that there was an increase in respiration frequency from the pre
to evoked and from evoked to final periods. Figure 1 also illustrates the
stability of the period differences over trials. An analysis of variance
(AOV) revealed that there were significant differences between the
periods, {(2, 88) = 23. 7, p < .001, and a Newman-Keuls test showed
that the respiration frequency differed significantly among all three
periods, (2 (.01). (The AOV summary table for respiration frequency
is shown in Table l).

The mean respiration amplitude as a function of trials is
shown for the three periods in Figure 2. This shows a decrease in
respiration amplitude from the pre to the evoked periods but virtually
no difference between the evoked and final periods. This was substan-
tiated by a significant period difference, 5 (2, 88) = 15.1, p<.001
(see Table 2). A Newman-Keuls test showed that the respiration amp-
litude was significantly greater in the pre period than during the evoked
or final periods, (p_ <. 01). The average respiration amplitude in all
periods decreased over trials. The differences between trials was
significant, 5(9, 396) = 7.6, p<. 001 . The groups were compared in
terms of the respiration amplitude response evoked by the onset of
the trial. There was a significant difference in the number of SS in

each group whose mean respiration amplitude for the evoked period

Respiration Frequency

Figure l

6. 5‘—

6. 01h—

5.5—

 

Mean Respiration Frequency as a Function
of Trials for Periods

 

 

A Pry;
D Evoked
O -— Final

 

 

 

 

 

Blocks of 2 Trials

10

Respiration Amplitude (mm)

7.5

Figure 2

8. o,

7.0

6.5

\\

\\r

 

Mean Respiration Amplitude as a Function
of Trials for Periods

A

 

Pre

 

 

Blocks of 2 Trials

11

Table 1. - Analysis of Variance of Respiration Frequency as a
Function of Groups for Periods over Trials

 

 

 

Source SS df MS F
Groups (G) 33.75 3 11.25 (1.00
Error (between) 982.96 44 22. 34

Trials (T) 5. 56 9 .62 (1. 00
Periods (P) 101.63 2 50.81 23. 70***
TXP 18.50 18 1.03 1.15
GX T 30.23 27 1.12 (1.00
GXP 11.08 6 1.85 <1.00
GX TXP 47.64 54 .88 (1.00
Error (T) 486.15 396 1.23

Error (P) 186.96 88 2.12

Error (T X P) 703.43 792 .89

Total 2607. 98 1440

*** p .001

Table 2. - Analysis of Variance of Respiration Amplitude as a
Function of Groups for Periods over Trials

Source SS df MS F
Groups (G) 55. 33 3 18.44 (1.00
Error (between) 8696.46 44 197. 65

Trials (T) 253.94 9 28. 21 7. 60***
Periods (P) 224.19 2 112.10 15.10***
T X P 98.04 18 5.45 1.27
GXP 41.45 6 6.91 (1.00

G X T 89.96 27 3.33 <1.00
GX T X P 222.17 54 4.11 (1.00
Error (T) 1475.94 396 3. 73

Error (P) 647. 33 88 7. 36

Error (T X P) 3367.10 792 4. 25

Total 15171.90 1440

 

***p .001

12

13

was greater than that of the pre period, x20) = 8. 6 , p_ (.05. An
inspection of these data revealed that 12 Es in the L-C group, 11 is
in the T-L group, 8 is in the HRE group and 7 SS in the L group ex-
hibited amplitude decreases from the pre to the evoked period.

Heart Rate Measures. -- The mean HR changes as a finc-

 

tion of trials are shown for the three periods in Figure 3. This shows
the decrease in HR over trials and the decrease in period differences
over trials. The difference between trials was significant, F(9, 396)
= 11.0, p<.001, (see Table 3). The decreases in period and group
differences over trials is substantiated by two significant interactions,
Trials X Periods, {(18, 792) = 2. 5, p<.001 , and Group X Trials X
Periods, I7_‘(54, 792) = 1.89, 216.001.

The mean HR variance as a function of trials is shown in
Figure 4. Across trials there was significant decrease in mean HR
variance, £(9, 396) = 2.15, p<.05. In Figure 5 the mean HR variance
is shown as a function of periods for the different groups. There ap-
peared to be a general decrease in HR variance across the three periods
in all the groups except L group. The data revealed that this was a
significant decrease in HR variance over the three periods, F (2, 88) =
8. 19, p (.001. A Newman-Keuls test showed that the HR variance
during the final period was significantly less than during the pre and
evoked periods, (p<. 01). The groups exhibited a large HR variance
decreases during different periods. The HRE and L-C groups had the

greatest decrease in HR variance from the evoked to the final period.

Heart Rate (bpm)

76-—

74*—

72’—"'

71.—
/

 

Figure 3 - Mean Heart Rate as a Function of Trials
for Periods

 

 

 

O
A A Pre
D Evoked
0 Final
A
I C
O
- A
I

 

l l l l i

1 2 , 3 4

U1

Blocks of 2 Trials

14

Table 3. - Analysis of Variance of Heart Rate as Function of
Groups for Periods across Trials over Seconds

 

 

Source SS df MS F
Groups (G) 103036.22 3 34345.41 (1.00
Error (between) 1961070. 74 44 44569. 79

Trials (T) 19836.89 9 2204.10 11. 00**’5<
Periods (P) 1112.95 2 556.48 3.04
Seconds (S) 250.21 9 27.80 (1.00

T X P 2967.27 18 164.85 2.50’101":<
T X 3 1618.43 81 19.98 (1.00

P X S 1240.61 18 68.92 2.52234":<
T X P X 5 5640.02 162 34.81 1.51***
G X T 7548.61 27 279.58 1.39

G X P 937.02 6 156.17 (1.00

G X S 927.12 27 34.34 (1.00

G X T X P 6745.67 54 124.92 1.8930“<
G X T X S 5529.89 243 22.76 1.01

G X P X S 2412.63 54 44.68 1.64**
G X P X P X 5 9986.63 486 20.55 €1.00
Error (T) 79341.04 396 200.36

Error (P) 16114.23 88 183.12

Error (S) 14308.03 396 36.13

Error (T X P) 52372.82 792 66.13

Error (T X S) 79421. 72 3564 22.28

Error (P X S) 21594. 24 792 27. 27

Error (T X P X S) 165365.99 7128 23. 20

Total 2559378.97 14400

*** p .001

*2. p .01

15

Heart Rate Variance (bpm)

Figure 4 - Mean Heart Rate variance as a Function of Trials

27—

261—-

25‘.

241——

23.»..—

21—

20—

X\
\\

 

2 3

Blocks of 2 Trials

16

Figure 5

(wdq) aoueireA area green

30—

25 ‘—

20—

 

15?-

- Mean Heart Rate Variance as a Function of
Periods for Groups

 

 

 

 

o
o
I
A
O——-— HRE
A T-L I
D L-C
O L
2

Pre Evoked Final

Period

17

18
The T-L group had the greatest decrease from the pre to the evoked
period, while the L group had only a slight variance change in an in-
creasing direction. These group differences were revealed in a signi-
ficant Groups X Periods interaction, F(6, 88) = 2.60, p<.025 (see
Table 4).

The sec. -by-sec. HR measures during the first 10 sec.
following the onset of each trial were averaged over the 10 trials and
the AOV summary for the HR during the evoked period is shown in
Table 5. The dominant feature of the evoked HR response was a pro-
nounced deceleration during the first three sec. of the period followed
by a return to prenstimulus level and then a slight deceleration during
the last five sec. The reliability of this pattern was supported by a
significant difference among the seconds, E (9, 396) = 2.1, p<.05.
Figure 6 presents the evoked HR response average over the 10 trials
for each group as a function of seconds. The HR values were express-
ed as changes from the last sec. of the pre period. The evoked HR
response for all groups except the HRE group was a pronounced de-
celeration as indicated by a significant Groups X Seconds interaction,
_1:7_‘(27, 396) = 1. 51, p (.05. The shape of the evoked responses ap-
peared to be different. The T-L and L-C groups had similar shapes,
with maximum deceleration during the second and third sec. , followed
by a slight acceleration over the pre-stimulus level on the fifth sec.
and a subsequent deceleration below pre—stimulus level during the
last five sec. of the period. The HR responses for HRE and L groups

were mirror images. The HRE group reached maximum HR during the

Heart Rate Change (bpm)

Figure 6

1. st’

 

Mean Heart Rate as a Function of Seconds
for Groups during the Evoked Period

 

Seconds

19

Table 4. - Analysis of Variance of Heart Rate Variance as a
Function of Groups for Periods over Trials

 

 

Source SS df MS

Groups (G) 3698.11 3 1232. 70 < 1. 00
Error (between) 437655.11 44 9946. 71

Trials (T) 21847. 38 9 2427.49 2.15*
Periods (P) 19676. 27 2 9838.13 8.19*‘"‘"’:
T X P 17991.04 18 999.50 1.04
G X T 19408.12 27 718.82 <1.00
G X P 18804.36 6 3134.06 2.60*
G X T X P 56090.30 54 1038.71 1.12
Error (T) 444710.04 396 1123.01

Error (P) 105659. 80 88 1200.68

Error “(I X P) (788,286. 28 792 995. 31

Total 1933826.72 1440

*** p .001

* p .05

Table 5. —- Analysis of Variance of Heart Rate
Groups over Trials for the Evoked Period

as a Function of

 

 

Source SS df MS F
Groups (G) 950.72 3 316.91 <1.00
Error (between) 31970. 12 44 726. 59

Trials (T) 2115.04 9 235.00 (1.00
Seconds (S) 800. 62 9 88.96 2.10*
T X S 1759.63 81 21.72 (1.00
G X T 9684.48 27 358.68 1.25
G X T X 5 4640.42 243 19.10 (1.00
G X S 1733.86 27 64.22 1.51*
Error (T) 113530.17 396 286.69 (1.00
Error (S) 16780.89 396 42.38

Error (T X S) 81770. 33 3564 22.94

Total 265736. 28 4800

* p .05

20

21

the fifth sec. and a minimum HR on the ninth sec. The L group reach-
ed minimum HR during the second sec. and maximum HR on the ninth
sec.

Estimate measures. -- The mean HR of the SS in the HRE

 

group was correlated with the Ss' mean absolute error of the estimate.
A Spearman r = .75, between the ranks of the error and the ranks of
the actual HR indicated a strong positive relationship between HR and
magnitude of error. The rates of the intermittent tones presented to
the SS in the T-L group were correlated with the mean absolute devi-
ation of the estimate from the actual rate. A Spearman r = .86, between
the ranks of error and the ranks of rates at which the tones were pre-
sented also indicated a strong positive relationship between the rate
of the tone and the magnitude of the error of the estimate. Both groups
maintained approximately constant percents of error regardless of the
rate of the stimuli to which the SS attended, 8% for the T~L group and
37% for the HRE group, the difference between the two groups was
significant, 1322 = 5. 3, p <. 001. The percent of trials in which _S_s under-
estimated was different between the two groups, 93% of the trials in the
HRE group were estimates lower than the actual HR while only 62% of
the trials in the T-L group were estimates lower than the actual rate
of the tone.

The results of the number of flashes each S in the L-C group
recorded Were not analyzed although the instructions implied that the S's

ability to accurately record the number of ﬂashes was being measured.

Discussion

Although the respiration measurements failed to differentiate
between the groups, there were significant period differences. All of
the groups exhibited increases in respiration frequency as a function
of periods and decreases in respiration amplitude following the on-
set of a trial. This finding is not in accord with the results reported
by Lynn (1966) who stated that regardless of the intensity of the stim-
ulus, the respiratory components of the OR were associated with a
pause, followed by increases in amplitude and decreases in fre-
quency. However, Polezhaev (1965) reported increased respira-
tion frequency and decreased amplitude in an experiment presenting
neutral stimuli to dogs. Although their results differed, Lynn and
Polezhaev state that regardless of the intensity of the stimulus the OR
has the same respiratory components. These differences may be based
upon the experiments they used to support their hypotheses. Lynn
(1966) based his statement upon Davis et a1. (1955) who employed high
intensity stimuli, while Polezhaev (1965) based his statement upon a
study by Balakin who employed neutral stimuli. From the compari-
son of these two studies it appears that stimulus intensity might
affect the respiratory components of the OR. The present study using
neutral stimuli found respiration frequency increases and amplitude
decreases similar to Polezhaev's conclusion.

There were no mean HR differences between the groups or

22

between the periods. This may indicate that the period differences
found in. respiration amplitude and frequency did not affect mean HR.
HR variance was found to decrease as a function of trials. This re-
sult is consistent with the ﬁndings of Davis et a1. (1955) and Meyers
and Gullickson (1967), and it is not in accord with the results obtained
by Lang and Hnatiow (1962). Lang and Hnatiow concluded that the peak-
to-trough index, a variability measure, was resistant to response
decrement. In the present study the HR variance decreased as a func-
tion of trials, and decreased across the three periods of the trial. .
This finding supports Lacey's (1967) observation that increased cardiac
stability occurred during attention. All of the groups except the L group
exhibited a large decrease in HR variance from the pre to the final
period. This might indicate that there is a relationship between HR
variance and the degree of subject involvement while attending.

The decelerative component of the evoked HR response in the
T-L, L-C, and L groups in the initial seconds of the trial is consis-
tent with the findings of other investigators (Lacey, 1959; Graham 8:
Clifton, 1966; Chase 8: Graham, 1967). The evoked acceleration of the
HRE group may be interpreted as confirmation of Lacey's (1959)
hypothesis that HR acceleration leads to inhibitory effects on en-
vironmental inputs. Contradicting the Johnson and Campos (1967)
hypothesis that conditions requiring rejection of the environment are

not associated with specific physiological changes, but that the changes

24
attributable to a verbalization requirement of the tasks, this study
demonstrated that HR acceleration occurred during the process of
internal observation in which neither overt or covert verbalization
is required. The Es instructed to attend internally to perceive their
own HR presumably blocked the external environment. According to
Lacey this rejection of the external environment is concomitant with
cardiac acceleration.

The respiratory and HR components of attentive observation
to external, neutral stimuli found in this study may be summarized
as increased frequency and decreased amplitude of respiration, de-
creased HR variability, and an evoked decelerative HR. Repeated
stimulation did not effect the respiratory component but did decrease
the mean HR and HR variance. Attentive observation of internal
stimuli produced effects on respiration and HR variance which were
similar to those produced by attentive observation of external stimuli.
However, the average evoked HR response to the first 10 sec. of
the taskiof HR estimation was accelerative.

A comparison of the accuracy of the estimates of the inter-
mittent tones (an external stimulus) with Ss' estimates of their own
heart rates (an internal stimulus) indicated that external stimuli were
estimated more accurately. Interestingly, both groups maintained a
constant percent of error regardless of the actual rate of the tone or
the actual heart rates. There was a very high correlation between the

rate of the stimulus to which the §_ was attending and the magnitude of

25

S's error.

One of the objectives of this study was to investigate the
relationship between respiration and HR. From the data presented
in this study it appears that HR changes may occur independently
of respiration changes. When neutral stimuli were used in this
study independent HR and respiration changes occurred in the HRE
group in which increases in respiration frequency and decreases in
respiration amplitude and HR variance decreases were similar to
the other groups, but unlike the other groups the evoked HR response

in the HRE group was distinctively accelerative.

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