Electrophysiological correlates of anticipatory task-switching processes
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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Correlating Behavioral Responses to fMRI Signals from Human Prefrontal Cortex: Examining Cognitive Processes Using Task Analysis
Published on: June 20, 2012
Rebecca Nicholson1, Frini Karayanidis, Dane Poboka
1Discipline of Psychology, School of Behavioural Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
Abstract:
Recent studies show a differential switch-related positivity emerging before a switch trial and reflecting anticipatory task-set reconfiguration processes. In this study, the switch-related positivity was examined in a cued task-switching paradigm. Cue-stimulus and response-stimulus intervals were independently manipulated to dissociate between the effects of anticipatory preparation and passive dissipation of task-set interference. Reaction time switch cost declined with increasing cue-stimulus and response-stimulus intervals, suggesting a contribution from both active preparation and passive interference processes. In cue-related difference waveforms, a switch positivity peaked around 350-400 ms and is interpreted as reflecting differential activation of task-set reconfiguration. In stimulus-related difference waveforms, a switch-related negativity is believed to indicate the role of S-R priming and response interference in task-switching.
