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More abstract, more difficult to shift: Behavior and electrophysiological evidence
Jiahui Han1, Liufang Xie1, Bihua Cao1
1School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China.
Behavioural Brain Research
|January 8, 2019
Summary
Rule shifting at higher levels of abstraction incurs greater cognitive costs, as evidenced by slower reaction times and distinct neural activity, including P300 and late positive component (LPC) differences.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Experimental Psychology
Background:
- Task or rule shifting research indicates that the hierarchical level of abstraction influences switch costs.
- Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying hierarchical modulation in rule shifting is crucial for cognitive science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of hierarchical modulation in rule shifting.
- To examine how different hierarchical levels of rule shifting impact cognitive control and brain activity.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed a number response task (numbers 1-9, excluding 5) with rules cued by stimulus features.
- Rules were systematically repeated or shifted across high and low hierarchical levels.
- Behavioral reaction times and electrophysiological data (P300, Late Positive Component - LPC) were recorded.
Main Results:
- Behavioral data showed significantly slower reaction times in the high-shift condition compared to the low-shift condition.
- Electrophysiological results indicated a larger P300 in the high-shift condition versus the low-shift condition.
- An increased amplitude of the late positive component (LPC) was observed in the high-shift condition relative to the low-shift condition.
Conclusions:
- Rule shifting at higher hierarchical levels presents greater challenges for task-set reconfiguration and rule selection.
- The findings highlight the differential neural processing associated with varying levels of abstraction during cognitive flexibility.
- Hierarchical level significantly modulates the cognitive and neural resources required for effective rule shifting.
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