Switch-specific and general preparation map onto different ERP components in a task-switching paradigm.
We examined whether the cue-locked centroparietal positivity is associated with switch-specific or general preparation processes. If this positivity (300-400 ms) indexes switch-specific preparation, faster switch trials associated with smaller RT switch cost should have a larger positivity as compared to slower switch trials, but no such association should be evident for repeat trials. We extracted ERP waveforms corresponding to semi-deciles of each participant's RT distribution (i.e., fastest to slowest 5% of trials) for switch and repeat conditions. Consistent with a switch-specific preparation process, centroparietal positivity amplitude was linked to slower RT and larger RT switch cost for switch but not repeat trials. A later pre-target negativity (500-600 ms) was inversely correlated with RT for both switch and repeat trials, consistent with a general anticipatory preparation processes.
Karayanidis
Frini
F
Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychology and Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia. frini.karayanidis@newcastle.edu.au
Provost
Alexander
A
Brown
Scott
S
Paton
Bryan
B
Heathcote
Andrew
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003463:Cues; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult