Limits of executive control : sequential effects in predictable environments

Frederick Verbruggen, Amy McAndrew, Gabrielle Weidemann, Tobias Stevens, Ian P. L. McLaren

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cognitive-control theories attribute action control to executive processes that modulate behavior on the basis of expectancy or task rules. In the current study, we examined corticospinal excitability and behavioral performance in a go/no-go task. Go and no-go trials were presented in runs of five, and go and no-go runs alternated predictably. At the beginning of each trial, subjects indicated whether they expected a go trial or a no-go trial. Analyses revealed that subjects immediately adjusted their expectancy ratings when a new run started. However, motor excitability was primarily associated with the properties of the previous trial, rather than the predicted properties of the current trial. We also observed a large latency cost at the beginning of a go run (i.e., reaction times were longer for the first trial in a go run than for the second trial). These findings indicate that actions in predictable environments are substantially influenced by previous events, even if this influence conflicts with conscious expectancies about upcoming events.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)748-757
Number of pages10
JournalPsychological Science
Volume27
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • cognition
  • executive ability
  • magnetic brain stimulation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Limits of executive control : sequential effects in predictable environments'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this