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Strategic control and medial frontal negativity: beyond errors and response conflict
Bruce D Bartholow1, Melanie A Pearson, Cheryl L Dickter
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Psychophysiology
|February 22, 2005
Summary
This study found that correct responses can elicit a correct response negativity (CRN), influenced by conflict probability. This suggests strategic adjustments in cognitive control during response preparation.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Event-related potentials (ERPs) like the error-related negativity (ERN) are typically linked to errors in timed choice tasks.
- The specificity of the ERN has been questioned due to findings of a correct response negativity (CRN).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of the correct response negativity (CRN) and the N2 component in response to varying conflict and probability.
- To examine how strategic adjustments influence response-related negativity.
Main Methods:
- Forty-five participants performed a flanker task with manipulated flanker-target compatibility and probability of compatible flankers.
- Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded and analyzed, focusing on the CRN and N2 components.
Main Results:
- Correct responses elicited a CRN, with amplitude increasing with the mismatch between conflict presence and probability.
- The fronto-central N2 component was larger on high-conflict correct response trials, particularly for highly probable stimuli.
- Findings indicate that the N2 component's amplitude is influenced by stimulus probability.
Conclusions:
- The study challenges simple models of error processing and response negativity.
- Findings suggest that strategic adjustments in preparation for responses modulate electrophysiological signals.
- Revised models are needed to incorporate the impact of conflict probability and strategic adjustments on response-related negativity.