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Neural basis of the Stroop interference task: response competition or selective attention?
Larissa A Mead1, Andrew R Mayer, Julie A Bobholz
1Division of Neuropsychology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|September 21, 2002
Summary
This study found the left inferior precentral sulcus (IpreCS) is key for resolving Stroop interference, not always the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This brain region helps manage conflicting word and color information.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is often implicated in Stroop interference resolution.
- However, ACC activation is inconsistent and influenced by methodological factors like response conflict and expectancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific brain regions critical for resolving Stroop interference using functional MRI.
- To investigate the neural correlates of cognitive conflict during the Stroop task.
Main Methods:
- Healthy subjects performed a blocked-trial functional MRI (fMRI) experiment.
- Stimulus conditions included incongruent, congruent, and neutral color words.
- Participants responded manually to the printed color of the word.
Main Results:
- The incongruent condition, compared to congruent and neutral conditions, showed significant activation in the left inferior precentral sulcus (IpreCS).
- The left IpreCS is located between the inferior frontal gyrus (BA 44) and the ventral premotor region (BA 6).
- Significant deactivations were observed in the rostral ACC and posterior cingulate gyrus.
Conclusions:
- Selective activation of the left IpreCS is crucial for mediating competing articulatory demands in Stroop interference.
- Findings align with previous neuroimaging, lesion, electrophysiological, and behavioral studies.
- The study refines our understanding of the neural basis of cognitive control and interference resolution.