Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 8-1-2023

Abstract

Errors inhibit attainment of our goals. Behavioral and neural adjustments following errors are often framed as independent aspects of decision-making termed threshold (or response caution) and drift rate (or evidence accumulation). We replicated and extended the association of single-trial threshold with frontal midline theta power from the previous trial, as measured from EEG in 21 participants completing a flankers task. Surprisingly, theta power also predicted next trial drift rate. Variation in brightness of the stimuli was associated with drift rate and various EEG and time-frequency features, including posterior alpha/beta power. Posterior alpha/beta power also correlated with drift rate and significantly increased following errors. However, previous trial inaccuracy was not itself related to drift rate nor did it moderate relationships of drift rate with EEG features. Results support the role of anterior cingulate cortex in both aspects of decision making, although mechanisms of attentional adjustment remain unclear.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

James F. Cavanagh

Second Committee Member

Jeremy Hogeveen

Third Committee Member

Eric Ruthruff

Language

English

Keywords

EEG, cognitive control, drift diffusion modeling, errors, flankers

Document Type

Thesis

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