Frontocentral negativity in electroencephalogram reflects motor response evaluation in humans on correct trials.
Recent results suggest that the error-related negativity (ERN/Ne), a negative scalp potential which has so far been associated with error-related processing, is also found for correct responses. This potential is thought to be generated in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). To investigate the functional significance of the ERN/Ne, a modified Continuous Performance Task was used. Data analysis was carried out using conventional averaging techniques as well as source localization with low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). Results showed a pronounced negativity associated with correct responses at a frontocentral electrode position, if an expected second imperative stimulus was not presented. LORETA analysis yielded evidence for a source located within the ACC on such trials. Results suggest that a negative scalp potential may be elicited by errorless responses and yield evidence for an evaluative role of the ACC.
Suchan
B
B
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neuropsychology, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany. boris.suchan@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Zoppelt
D
D
Daum
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D006179:Gyrus Cinguli / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*