Abstract
Recent research has taken advantage of the temporal and spatial resolution of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify the time course and neural circuitry of preparatory processes required to switch between different tasks. Here we overview some key findings contributing to understanding strategic processes in advance preparation. Findings from these methodologies are compatible with advance preparation conceptualized as a set of processes activated for both switch and repeat trials, but with substantial variability as a function of individual differences and task requirements. We then highlight new approaches that attempt to capitalize on this variability to link behavior and brain activation patterns. One approach examines correlations among behavioral, ERP and fMRI measures. A second “model-based” approach accounts for differences in preparatory processes by estimating quantitative model parameters that reflect latent psychological processes. We argue that integration of behavioral and neuroscientific methodologies is key to understanding the complex nature of advance preparation in task-switching.
Highlights
Goal-directed behavior is an aspect of executive control that requires both the ability to maintain focus on a single goal and to switch attention among alternative goals
We argue that with many other paradigms it is harder to differentiate processes associated with advance preparation from other processes and to precisely time-lock event-related brain potentials (ERP) averaging to the onset of any preparation processes
We argue that despite the wealth of information provided by ERP and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research, meaningful insights into how advance preparation in task-switching is accomplished requires reconciliation of behavioral and multiple neuroscientific approaches
Summary
Goal-directed behavior is an aspect of executive control that requires both the ability to maintain focus on a single goal and to switch attention among alternative goals. Unlike the frontal negativity discussed below, this prolonged switch positivity did not vary as a function of whether the task defined an overt or a covert (e.g., mental counting) response These findings strongly suggest that the switch positivity consists of a number of subcomponents that are sensitive to shifting attention between different stimulus features, stimulus-sets and S–R mapping and is affected by the degree to which the upcoming target is prone to interference. The cue-locked positivity and slow frontal negativity provide direct measures of anticipatory control in relation to stimulus-set and response-set selection, respectively These components are compatible with the conceptualization of advance preparation as a set of processes that may be activated for switch and/or repeat trials depending on task parameters and requirements and that may include both central as well as modality and/or task-specific components (Jennings and van der Molen, 2005). Preparation interval 2500/3750 ms Response deadline 1250 ms Immediate Feedback 700 ms
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