Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
06:11
A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
Published on: February 20, 2019
7.9K
How Do Children Deal With Conflict? A Developmental Study of Sequential Conflict Modulation
Silvan F A Smulders1, Eric L L Soetens2, Maurits W van der Molen1
1Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Psychology
|June 8, 2018
Summary
This study shows that sequential conflict modulation (SCM) decreases with age. However, this age-related decline in cognitive control is linked to basic response speed, not SCM itself.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Sequential conflict modulation (SCM) is crucial for cognitive control, influencing performance after conflict trials.
- Understanding age-related changes in SCM is vital for mapping cognitive development and decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in sequential conflict modulation (SCM) across three distinct conflict tasks.
- To determine if SCM exhibits different developmental trajectories based on conflict type.
- To examine the influence of response-to-stimulus interval (RSI) on SCM and its developmental changes.
Main Methods:
- Three tasks (Simon, S-R compatibility, Choice-reaction/NoGo) were administered to distinct age groups (7-25 years).
- Response-to-stimulus interval (RSI) was manipulated (50 ms vs. 500 ms) to assess time-dependent conflict modulation.
- Performance changes following conflict trials were analyzed to quantify SCM.
Main Results:
- SCM was observed across all tasks, with task- and RSI-specific patterns.
- The magnitude of SCM generally decreased with increasing age.
- This age-related decrease in SCM was not significant when controlling for individual differences in basic response speed.
Conclusions:
- SCM patterns are task-specific, suggesting varied underlying cognitive control mechanisms.
- Age-related changes in SCM may be confounded by general differences in processing speed.
- Findings contribute to understanding the development of cognitive control and its task-dependent nature.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
540
Frustration occurs when people are obstructed or prevented from achieving a desired goal or fulfilling a perceived need. For example, when someone's input is ignored in a discussion, it can lead to feelings of frustration. Conflict, however, arises from opposing interests, goals, or actions. Conflicts can take various forms based on the nature of these opposing desires or goals.
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable...
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable...
540
01:14Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
692
Avoidance-avoidance conflict refers to a psychological situation where a person must choose between two or more unpleasant alternatives. These conflicts are particularly stressful because neither option is desirable. This dilemma is often expressed in sayings like "caught between a rock and a hard place" or "between the devil and the deep blue sea." For instance, individuals who fear dental procedures may find themselves torn between enduring a painful toothache or facing the...
692
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
1.6K
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...
1.6K
01:29Three Developmental Domains
1.2K
Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
1.2K
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
312
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
312
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
37.5K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
37.5K