Working memory capacity and task goals modulate error-related ERPs
Abstract
The present study investigated individual differences in information processing following errant behavior. Participants were initially classified as high or as low working memory capacity using the Operation Span Task. In a subsequent session, they then performed a high congruency version of the flanker task under both speed and accuracy stress. We recorded ERPs and behavioral measures of accuracy and response time in the flanker task with a primary focus on processing following an error. The error-related negativity was larger for the high working memory capacity group than for the low working memory capacity group. The positivity following an error (Pe) was modulated to a greater extent by speed-accuracy instruction for the high working memory capacity group than for the low working memory capacity group. These data help to explicate the neural bases of individual differences in working memory capacity and cognitive control.
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In non-clinical samples, task instructions emphasizing accuracy over speed result in an enhanced ERN.
“In non-clinical samples, task instructions that emphasize accuracy over speed result in an enhanced ERN (Gehring et al., 1993; Arbel and Donchin, 2009, but see also Coleman et al., 2018).”
From The Error-Related Negativity (ERN) in Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A Call for Further Investigation of Task Parameters in the Flanker Task (2021) · cites this paper as Coleman et al., 2018
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“Our results are inconsistent with studies finding relations between a larger ERN and better working memory and inhibitory control (Coleman et al., 2018; Miller et al., 2012; Overbye et al., 2019), as well as better overall cognitive control/executive function (Larson & Clayson, 2011; Meyer & Klein,…”
BackgroundResultInfluential
- Authors
- Coleman, J. R., Watson, J. M., & Strayer, D. L.
- Affiliations
- University of Utah (US)
- Corresponding author
- Strayer, David L.
- ORCID
- Strayer, David L.
- Venue
- Psychophysiology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2017-03-15
- Volume
- 55
- Issue
- 3
- ISSN
- 0048-5772 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-8986
- OpenAlex
- W2598009273
- Cited by
- 33
- References
- 34
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 2
- FWCI
- 2.36
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Psychophysiology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
- Keywords
- working memory capacity, error-related negativity, flanker task, speed-accuracy trade-off, task goals, individual differences, cognitive control, operation span, error processing
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Brain, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials, Female, Goals, Humans, Individuality, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Neuropsychological Tests, Psychomotor Performance, Reaction Time, Young Adult, Executive Function
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