Sequence effects support the conflict theory of N2 and P3 in the Go/NoGo task.
In two-choice tasks the preceding sequence of stimuli robustly influences both the P3 ERP component and reaction time (RT) to the current stimulus. We examined sequence effects in both two-choice and Go/NoGo tasks to distinguish between inhibition and conflict accounts of the N2 and P3 components. RT results suggested similar subjective expectancies were generated in the Go/NoGo and two-choice task. N2 was increased for all unexpected stimuli, even when no response inhibition was required, consistent with a conflict interpretation. The Go/NoGo P3 results also suggested a conflict explanation, and that this conflict was reduced if the response had been recently performed. These results support a reconsideration of the roles of N2 and P3 in all inhibition and conflict tasks, and the Go/NoGo task in particular.
Smith
Janette L
JL
School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah NSW 2258, Australia. janette.smith@newcastle.edu.au
Smith
Elizabeth A
EA
Provost
Alexander L
AL
Heathcote
Andrew
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D018913:Event-Related Potentials, P300 / Q000502:physiology*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult