Abstract
Efficient action control is indispensable for goal-directed behaviour. Different theories have stressed the importance of either attention or response selection sub-processes for action control. Yet, it is unclear to what extent these processes can be identified in the dynamics of neurophysiological (EEG) processes at the single-trial level and be used to predict the presence of conflicts in a given moment. Applying deep learning, which was blind to cognitive theory, on single-trial EEG data allowed to predict the presence of conflict in ~95% of subjects ~33% above chance level. Neurophysiological features related to attentional and motor response selection processes in the occipital cortex and the superior frontal gyrus contributed most to prediction accuracy. Importantly, deep learning was able to identify predictive neurophysiological processes in single-trial neural dynamics. Hence, mathematical (artificial intelligence) approaches may be used to foster the validation and development of links between cognitive theory and neurophysiology of human behavior.
Highlights
Efficient action control is indispensable for goal-directed behaviour
We tested whether deep learning, which is a purely mathematical procedure, can identify neurophysiological correlates of cognitive processes that are commonly considered relevant in the context of psychological theory formation on action control, especially in the context of conflicts
If such classifications are possible using single-trial EEG data, this will represent an important step towards going beyond conventional eventrelated potential (ERP) components and to functionally relate EEG features to behavioral performance
Summary
Efficient action control is indispensable for goal-directed behaviour. Different theories have stressed the importance of either attention or response selection sub-processes for action control. The ability to monitor conflicts is an essential aspect of goaldirected behavior and action control as it allows us to select appropriate reactions in a highly complex and everchanging world Without this cognitive faculty, we would find ourselves to be strongly driven by sensory inputs from the external world, unable to resist distraction or deal with ambiguous/contradictory information. Attentional selection processes and neurophysiological correlates of attention (like the N1)[29] and spatial attention (N2pc) have been shown to be modulated in the Simon task[27,30] This seems reasonable given the importance of attentional (orienting) processes in the Simon task, which requires the integration of distinct and spatial stimulus position (codes)[10]. There is rarely a one-to-one relationship between EEG-derived neural signals and behavior[31], this is often suggested, or at least implied
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