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Modifying response times in the Simon task with transcranial random noise stimulation.
James Robert McIntosh1,2,3, Carsten Mehring4,5
1Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Hansastr. 9A, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. j.mcintoshr@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|November 17, 2017
Summary
Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) quickens response times in a visual Simon task. This effect is independent of cue congruence but depends on baseline response speed, suggesting a general impact on decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Decision-Making Research
Background:
- Perceptual decisions are influenced by inherent biases, which can either align or conflict with task demands.
- The visual Simon task is a common paradigm for studying response conflict arising from irrelevant spatial cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) on decision-making within the visual Simon task.
- To explore how tRNS affects response times when spatial and color cues conflict or align.
Main Methods:
- Subjects performed a visual Simon task while receiving transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS).
- Response times were analyzed in relation to cue congruence and baseline response speed.
Main Results:
- tRNS significantly reduced response times.
- This reduction was independent of the congruence between spatial and color cues.
- The effect of tRNS was dependent on baseline response times, both within and between subjects.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a non-specific effect of tRNS on the Simon task, potentially influencing general decision-making processes.
- The study elaborates on drift-diffusion models to explain decision-making and incorporates the influence of tRNS.
