How to measure post-error slowing: The case of pre-error speeding

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Neuroscience
• Human error processing

Background:

• Post-error slowing is a widely used metric to investigate cognitive and behavioral responses following errors.
• Existing methods for quantifying post-error slowing lack consensus, potentially impacting research findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate two primary methods for quantifying post-error slowing.
• To propose improved methods for assessing human error processing.

Main Methods:

• Re-analysis of two existing datasets using traditional and recent post-error slowing quantification methods.
• Comparison of response times in correct post-error trials versus correct non-post-error trials.
• Comparison of response times in correct post-error trials versus preceding correct pre-error trials.

Main Results:

• The method comparing post-error trials to pre-error trials yields an inflated estimate of post-error slowing.
• This inflation arises from conflating post-error slowing with independent pre-error speeding effects.
• The traditional method, while potentially conservative, avoids this specific inflation.

Conclusions:

• Current methods for assessing post-error slowing require refinement to accurately capture error processing.
• Distinguishing between pre-error speeding and post-error slowing is crucial for precise measurement.
• Revised methodologies are proposed to enhance the accuracy of human error processing research.