Feedback-Related Dynamics of Hierarchical Error Processing in Goal-Directed Action

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Performance monitoring is crucial for adaptive behavior and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs).
• The posterior medial frontal cortex generates error-related potentials (ErrP) like ERN, N2, and FRN, encoding performance evaluation.
• Understanding the hierarchy of error processing, from low-level execution to high-level outcome evaluation, is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reexamine the hierarchical framework of error processing.
• To investigate how low-level error detection/correction influences high-level outcome evaluation (FRN dynamics).
• To determine if neural signals for outcome errors maintain consistent or distinct representations under altered feedback availability.

Main Methods:

• A visuomotor rotation task was used with manipulated visual feedback availability across three blocks.
• Participants (n=16) performed reaching movements with unexpected cursor rotations (±20°, ±40°).
• Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded to analyze neural signals.

Main Results:

• The feedback-related negativity (FRN) showed valence sensitivity in Blocks 1 and 3, but a surprise-driven response in Block 2.
• Posterior negativity, linked to error detection and correction, appeared in Blocks 1 and 3, independent of outcome valence.
• Robust classification between low-level (execution) and high-level (outcome) error signals was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Sensory feedback availability and error correction significantly influence neural responses to errors.
• Neural signals for outcome errors vary based on feedback conditions.
• Findings provide a foundation for developing more informative feedback in adaptive neural interfaces.