When cognitive control is calibrated: event-related potential correlates of adapting to information-processing conflict despite erroneous response preparation.
To examine when in the perception-action cycle resolving information-processing conflict modulates signals of the current need for cognitive control, the present work examined event-related potential correlates of response preparation (lateralized readiness potentials; LRPs) and of information-processing conflict (fronto-central N2 responses) on trial n flanker trials, as a function of whether trial n-1 entailed a congruent flanker, an incongruent flanker, or a NoGo cue. Although LRP-indexed erroneous response preparation was substantial on incongruent trials across all levels of trial n-1, N2 amplitudes and behavioral interference effects were attenuated on incongruent trials following NoGo and incongruent (relative to congruent) trials. Even after initial attentional and motor-preparation processes have transpired, then, relatively later control mechanisms appear sufficient to signal a reduced need to engage cognitive control anew.
Freitas
Antonio L
AL
Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA. antonio.freitas@stonybrook.edu
Banai
Ruslan
R
Clark
Sheri L
SL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003463:Cues; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult