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Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Group differences in agency modulate error monitoring
Elizabeth A Bauer1, Annmarie MacNamara1
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
Psychophysiology
|February 7, 2022
Summary
Agency over punishment enhances error monitoring and reduces mistakes. Lack of control impairs error monitoring, suggesting cognitive resources are conserved when outcomes are uncontrollable.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Error monitoring is crucial for preventing mistakes, but its utility may vary.
- Cognitive resources are finite, and error monitoring can be resource-intensive.
- Lack of control over negative outcomes can impact cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of agency (control over punishment) on error monitoring.
- To determine if agency influences the error-related negativity (ERN) and error rates.
- To explore the adaptive role of error monitoring based on outcome controllability.
Main Methods:
- A flanker task was employed to assess error monitoring and performance.
- Participants were assigned to either controllable or uncontrollable punishment conditions.
- The error-related negativity (ERN), an electrophysiological measure, was recorded.
Main Results:
- Participants lacking agency over punishment exhibited reduced ERNs and increased error rates.
- Agency over punishment was associated with enhanced error monitoring.
- Punishment effectively reduced error rates only in the presence of agency.
Conclusions:
- Agency significantly modulates error monitoring processes.
- Error monitoring is adaptively regulated based on the perceived utility of control over outcomes.
- These findings highlight the importance of perceived control in cognitive regulation.
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