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Intra-individual reaction time variability and response preparation: an EEG study
Denisas Dankinas1, Vykinta Parciauskaite2, Kastytis Dapsys2,3
1Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Denisas.Dankinas@gmail.com.
Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis
|March 20, 2016
Summary
The human brain prepares for probable events, leading to faster reaction times (RT) and more stable performance. This study shows even moderate probability differences effectively trigger this response preparation.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- The brain anticipates future events to optimize behavior.
- Faster reaction times (RT) to probable stimuli are linked to response preparation.
- The minimum stimulus probability difference for response preparation is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the minimum stimulus probability difference eliciting response preparation.
- Examine the relationship between intra-individual RT variability and response preparation.
- Hypothesize that response preparation to probable stimuli reduces RT and variability.
Main Methods:
- Tested 14 healthy subjects using reaction time and electroencephalography (EEG).
- Utilized two stimuli with unequal probabilities (66.6% vs. 33.3%) assigned to counterbalanced responses.
- Measured RT and EEG to assess response preparation and stability.
Main Results:
- Stimulus probabilities of 66.6% and 33.3% were sufficient to elicit response preparation.
- Response preparation to more probable stimuli significantly reduced RT.
- Response preparation also led to a reduction in intra-individual RT variability.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated that a 66.6% vs. 33.3% probability difference is sufficient for response preparation.
- Confirmed that response preparation enhances both speed and stability of responses.
- Findings extend understanding of cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying response stability.
