Temporal dynamics of interference in Simon and Eriksen tasks considered within the context of a dual-process model
Abstract
Behavioral and brain potential measures were employed to compare interference in Eriksen and Simon tasks. Assuming a dual-process model of interference elicited in speeded response tasks, we hypothesized that only lateralized stimuli in the Simon task induce fast S-R priming via direct unconditional processes, while Eriksen interference effects are induced later via indirect conditional processes. Delays to responses for incongruent trials were indeed larger in the Eriksen than in the Simon task. Only lateralized stimuli in the Simon task elicited early S-R priming, maximal at parietal areas. Incongruent flankers in the Eriksen task elicited interference later, visible as a lateralized N2. Eriksen interference also elicited an additional component (N350), which accounted for the larger behavioral interference effects in the Eriksen task. The findings suggest that interference and its resolution involve different processes for Simon and Eriksen tasks.
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As RT increases the Simon effect typically decreases, whereas the Flanker effect typically increases with RT.
“These tasks also differ in their temporal dynamics: as RT increases the Simon effect typically decreases, whereas the Flanker effect typically increases with RT33,36.”
From Delayed goal-directed processing underlies inhibitory control challenges in adult ADHD (2026) · cites this paper as [33]
Prior research indicates these tasks utilize distinct cognitive mechanisms to resolve conflict.
“Prior research also indicates these tasks utilize distinct cognitive mechanisms to resolve conflict33,35.”
From Delayed goal-directed processing underlies inhibitory control challenges in adult ADHD (2026) · cites this paper as [33]
Cites
Dimensional overlap: cognitive basis for stimulus-response compatibility-a model and taxonomy
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Nieuwenhuis, S., Yeung, N., van den Wildenberg, W., & Ridderinkhof, K. R. (2003) · Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience · doi:10.3758/cabn.3.1.17 · Cited by 1,250 · see citing works
De Jong, R., Liang, C.-C., & Lauber, E. (1994) · Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance · doi:10.1037/0096-1523.20.4.731 · Cited by 806 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Although interference can be induced automatically via both unconditional and conditional processes (c.f. de Jong et al., 1994), we suspect that only unconditional response activation disappears automatically, therefore requiring little cognitive control if direct response activation is already…”
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Delayed goal-directed processing underlies inhibitory control challenges in adult ADHD
Osborne, J. B., Sellers, J., Zhang, H., Wang, S., Liberatore, S., Sripada, C., Shah, P., & Jonides, J. (2026) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-42307-3 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
- Authors
- Mansfield, K. L., van der Molen, M. W., Falkenstein, M., & van Boxtel, G. J. M.
- Affiliations
- Tilburg University (NL)
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (DE)
- Venue
- Brain and Cognition
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2013-08
- Volume
- 82
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 353-363
- ISSN
- 0278-2626 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2065801518
- Cited by
- 32
- References
- 3
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 6 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 2
- FWCI
- 1.15
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Brain and Cognition (publishedVersion)
- Research portal (Tilburg University) (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Free Will and Agency
- Keywords
- Simon task, flanker task, interference, dual-process models, response inhibition, N2 component, response latency, incongruent trials, flanker interference
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Cerebral Cortex, Choice Behavior, Cognition, Evoked Potentials, Visual, Female, Humans, Functional Laterality, Male, Models, Psychological, Neuropsychological Tests, Young Adult
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