In search of the point of no return: the control of response processes.
Control processes underlying response inhibition were examined. Six Ss performed a visual choice reaction task and were occasionally presented with a tone that told them to withhold the response. Reaction time results were in agreement with a model that assumes a race between response activation and response inhibition processes. Event-related brain potentials, electromyogram, and continuous response measures showed that responses could be interrupted at any time. Evidence was obtained for two inhibitory mechanisms: inhibition of central activation processes and inhibition of transmission of motor commands from central to peripheral structures. Results have implications for the distinction between controlled and ballistic processes.
de Jong
Ritske
R
U Illinois, Champaign.
Coles
Michael G H
MGH
Logan
Gordon D
GD
Gratton
Gabriele
G
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D001288:Attention; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D012718:Set, Psychology