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Published on: February 8, 2018
Does the stop-signal P3 reflect inhibitory control?
Mario Hervault1, Cheol Soh1, Jan R Wessel1
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Cognitive Control Collaborative, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
The stop-signal P3, an EEG measure, is re-evaluated as an index of inhibitory control in action-stopping. New evidence suggests it reflects a specific inhibitory process crucial for stopping actions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Action-stopping is crucial for adaptive behavior and studied via inhibitory control.
- The frontocentral stop-signal P3 (event-related potential from EEG) has been a proposed neurophysiological index of inhibitory control.
- Recent challenges question the P3's utility as a direct index of inhibitory control.
Purpose of the Study:
- Critically review evidence linking stop-signal P3 to inhibitory control.
- Evaluate criticisms against the P3 as an inhibitory control index.
- Propose an updated view of the processes reflected by the stop-signal P3.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review spanning three decades.
- Replication of key empirical patterns in a large EEG dataset (N=255).
- Examination and evaluation of criticisms regarding P3 as an inhibitory control index.
Main Results:
- Evidence supporting the link between stop-signal P3 and inhibitory control was reviewed.
- Replication in a large dataset confirmed previous findings.
- Criticisms were evaluated, suggesting nuanced interpretations.
Conclusions:
- The stop-signal P3 indexes a specific, selective inhibitory control process.
- This process critically contributes to successful action-stopping.
- An updated view clarifies the P3's role and resolves ongoing debates.
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