Interacting sources of interference during sensorimotor integration processes
Abstract
Every day, a multitude of interfering sensory inputs needs to be integrated and adequately processed using response selection processes. Interference effects are typically investigated using classical paradigms like the Flanker and Simon task. The sources of interference for Flanker and Simon effect are known to be different and according to dual process accounts, two distinct functional pathways are involved in resolving these types of interference. It is an open question how far these sources of interference are related to each other and interact. We investigated this question in a system neurophysiological study utilizing a hybrid paradigm combining both Flanker effect-like and Simon effect-like features. We focus on event-related theta oscillations and use beamforming methods to examine functional neuroanatomical networks. The results show that Simon and Flanker interference interacted in a non-additive fashion by modulating theta band activity, probably reflecting the recruitment of cognitive control processes. Beamforming source reconstruction revealed that theta band activity was related to a broad neuronal network comprising prefrontal and cerebellar regions, including the MFG, SFG, IFG, and SMA. These regions were connected to interference processing and conflict resolution, but differed in the amount of specificity for different sources of interference.
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The source of interference differs across Simon and Flanker tasks: in the Simon task, interference emerges from a spatial-location mismatch between stimulus and response mappings, while in the Flanker task interference stems from irrelevant distractors presented alongside the target.
“However, the source of interference differs across tasks. In the Simon task, interference emerges from a spatial-location mismatch between stimulus and response mappings, while in the Flanker task interference stems from irrelevant distractors presented alongside the target35.”
From Delayed goal-directed processing underlies inhibitory control challenges in adult ADHD (2026) · cites this paper as [35]
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 [35]
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“Moreover, frontal theta activity can be observed whenever an unexpected uncertainty of correct behavior occurs (i.e., a conflict), most likely signaling the need of cognitive control (Cavanagh and Frank, 2014).”
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“With respect to the dual-process account of interference effects (De Jong et al., 1994; Ridderinkhof et al., 1995) and furthermore assuming that Flanker interference is mediated via the conditional pathway while Simon interference is mediated via the unconditional pathway (Mansfield et al., 2013),…”
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Vahid, A., Mückschel, M., Stober, S., Stock, A.-K., & Beste, C. (2020) · Communications Biology · doi:10.1038/s42003-020-0846-z · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Self-citationDelayed 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
- Mückschel, M., Stock, A.-K., Dippel, G., Chmielewski, W., & Beste, C.
- Affiliations
- Technische Universität Dresden (DE)
- Corresponding author
- Mückschel, Moritz
- Venue
- NeuroImage
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2016-01
- Volume
- 125
- Pages
- 342-349
- ISSN
- 1053-8119 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2191026274
- Cited by
- 88
- References
- 9
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 2.37
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- NeuroImage (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (BE4045/10-2)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
- Keywords
- interference, sensorimotor integration, response selection, Simon effect, flanker effect, theta oscillations, cognitive control, conflict resolution, prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, medial frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, inferior frontal gyrus
- MeSH terms
- Brain, Cognition, Electroencephalography, Female, Humans, Male, Young Adult
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