Age-related modulations of the error- and feedback-related negativity
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1
Cognitive Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research, Germany
The present ERP experiments were designed to compare the error-related negativity (ERN) and the feedback-related negativity (FRN) in younger (mean age: 23.4 years) and older (mean age: 63.6) participants. In the first experiment, an arrow version of the Eriksen flanker task was employed to investigate the influence of conflict on the ERN. The degree of conflict was modulated by varying the distance between flankers and the target arrow (CLOSE and FAR condition). In the YOUNG group the ERN amplitude was modulated by flanker distance: the ERN was increased in FAR compared to CLOSE error trials. The correct-related negativity (CRN) showed a significantly smaller amplitude than the ERN. However, the results were different for the OLD group: the CRN amplitude was significantly increased compared to the YOUNG group. Therefore, ERN and CRN of the OLD group did not show any significant difference in amplitude. Furthermore, in contrast to the YOUNG group the ERN amplitude in the OLD group was not modulated by flanker distance. It has been suggested that the CRN reflects a permanently active response evaluation function (Vidal et al., 2000, 2003). In addition to this evaluation process, the ERN might reflect a signal that indicates that immediate behavioral adaptations are necessary and that triggers the implementation of cognitive control. Therefore, one possible explanation for the present results is that neural processes for behavioral adaptations are more efficient in younger than in older participants. In the second experiment, the feedback-related negativity was investigated with a probabilistic reversal learning task. Participants had to choose one of two possible response options (left or right button press), the “better” response was rewarded in 80% of all trials, the “worse” response was rewarded in 20% of all trials. After each block of variable lengths the better and the worse response switched sides. These switches had to be inferred from the feedback. Every correct response was rewarded with a smiley presented on the screen indicating a small monetary reward. Incorrect responses lead to a frowny as feedback. Errors were categorized into probabilistic errors, reversal errors (errors after an unsignaled block switch) and final reversal errors (last error after a block switch before behavior is adapted to the new block). The FRN components, related to different error types and correct responses, will be compared to the ERN results from the first experiment.
Conference:
10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience, Bodrum, Türkiye, 1 Sep - 5 Sep, 2008.
Presentation Type:
Poster Presentation
Topic:
Response Monitoring and Error Processing
Citation:
Danielmeier
C,
Fischer
A,
Wessel
J and
Ullsperger
M
(2008). Age-related modulations of the error- and feedback-related negativity.
Conference Abstract:
10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience.
doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.09.2009.01.317
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Received:
10 Dec 2008;
Published Online:
10 Dec 2008.
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Correspondence:
Claudia Danielmeier, Cognitive Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research, Cologne, Germany, danielmeier@nf.mpg.de