Spontaneous default mode network phase-locking moderates performance perceptions under stereotype threat.
This study assessed whether individual differences in self-oriented neural processing were associated with performance perceptions of minority students under stereotype threat. Resting electroencephalographic activity recorded in white and minority participants was used to predict later estimates of task errors and self-doubt on a presumed measure of intelligence. We assessed spontaneous phase-locking between dipole sources in left lateral parietal cortex (LPC), precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (P/PCC), and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC); three regions of the default mode network (DMN) that are integral for self-oriented processing. Results revealed that minorities with greater LPC-P/PCC phase-locking in the theta band reported more accurate error estimations. All individuals experienced less self-doubt to the extent they exhibited greater LPC-MPFC phase-locking in the alpha band but this effect was driven by minorities. Minorities also reported more self-doubt to the extent they overestimated errors. Findings reveal novel neural moderators of stereotype threat effects on subjective experience. Spontaneous synchronization between DMN regions may play a role in anticipatory coping mechanisms that buffer individuals from stereotype threat.
Social Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA cforbes@psych.udel.edu.
Chad E
CE
Forbes
Social Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Jordan B
JB
Leitner
Social Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Kelly
K
Duran-Jordan
Social Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Adam B
AB
Magerman
Social Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Toni
T
Schmader
Social Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
John J B
JJ
Allen
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006179:Gyrus Cinguli / Q000502:physiology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D011287:Prejudice / Q000523:psychology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D013826:Theta Rhythm; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology
Default-mode network; Stereotype threat; performance monitoring; social neuroscience; spontaneous phase locking