Sex differences in equiprobable auditory Go/NoGo task: effects on N2 and P3

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Auditory event-related potentials (ERPs), specifically Go/NoGo tasks, show clinical research promise.
• Evaluating modulating factors like gender is crucial for wider application of these tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of gender on behavioral and electrophysiological responses in an auditory equiprobable Go/NoGo task.
• To compare response times, accuracy, and specific ERP components (N2, P3) between genders.

Main Methods:

• An auditory equiprobable Go/NoGo paradigm was administered to 79 healthy participants (40 females, 39 males).
• Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during the task.
• Behavioral data and ERPs (N2, P3 latency and amplitude) were analyzed and compared between genders.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in response times between genders.
• Females exhibited lower task accuracy compared to males.
• Females showed longer N2 and P3 latencies and higher P3 amplitudes in both Go and NoGo conditions.

Conclusions:

• Gender significantly modulates behavioral and electrophysiological responses in auditory Go/NoGo tasks.
• Females may require more time for response conflict monitoring and motor execution, utilizing more neural resources.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering gender in auditory Go/NoGo research.