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Phasic valence and arousal do not influence post-conflict adjustments in the Simon task
David Dignath1, Markus Janczyk2, Andreas B Eder3
1Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Germany.
Acta Psychologica
|January 31, 2017
Summary
Cognitive control research suggests conflict monitoring influences behavior. However, this study found that induced emotions, whether pleasant or unpleasant, did not affect post-conflict adjustments in a Simon task.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Affective Science
Background:
- Cognitive control theories propose that conflict monitoring triggers behavioral adjustments.
- Some models suggest conflict is detected as an affective signal, either negative valence or high arousal.
- The role of affect in modulating post-conflict adjustments remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether induced affective states influence post-conflict behavioral adjustments.
- To test the hypothesis that affective signals potentiate conflict adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed a Simon task while viewing pictures varying in pleasantness and arousal.
- Phasic affect was induced via picture stimuli.
- Behavioral adjustments following conflict were measured.
Main Results:
- Induced phasic affect (pleasant/unpleasant, high/low arousal) did not significantly influence post-conflict behavioral adjustments.
- Bayesian analyses supported the null hypothesis, indicating no effect of affect.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that conflict is registered as an affective signal influencing behavioral adjustments.
- Phasic affective states do not appear to modulate cognitive control processes in the Simon task.
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