The N2 in go/no-go tasks reflects conflict monitoring not response inhibition.
The functional significance of the N2 in go/no-go tasks was investigated by comparing electrophysiological data obtained from two tasks: a go/no-go task involving both response inhibition as well as response conflict monitoring, and a go/GO task associated with conflict monitoring only. No response was required to no-go stimuli, and a response with maximal force to GO stimuli. The relative frequency of the go stimuli (80% vs. 50%) was varied. The N2 peaked on both no-go and GO trials, with larger amplitudes for both signals when presented in a context of frequent (80%) go signals. These results support the idea that the N2 reflects conflict monitoring not response inhibition.
Donkers
Franc C L
FC
Department of Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 TE Tilburg, The Netherlands. f.c.l.donkers@uvt.nl
van Boxtel
Geert J M
GJ
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values