title: Effects of caffeine on anticipatory control processes: evidence from a cued task-switch paradigm.
abstract: Effects of caffeine on task switching were studied using ERPs in a cued task-switch paradigm. The need for advance preparation was manipulated by varying the number of task-set aspects that required switching. In a double-blind, within-subjects experiment, caffeine reduced shift costs compared to placebo. ERPs revealed a negative deflection developing within the preparatory interval, which was larger for shift than for repeat trials. Caffeine increased this shift-induced difference. Furthermore, shift costs increased as a function of the number of task-set features to be switched, but this pattern was not modulated by caffeine. The results suggest that caffeine improves task-switching performance by increasing general effects on task switching, related to task-nonspecific (rather than task-specific) anticipatory processes. Caffeine's actions may be mediated by dopaminergic changes in the striatum or anterior cingulate cortex.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Zoë
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tieges
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Snel
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.forename: Niels
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Plat
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ridderinkhof
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003463:Cues; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D002110:Caffeine