Error Detection Process Research Articles

Theta synchrony supports Weber-Fechner and Stevens' Laws for error processing, uniting high and low mental processes

Human brain theta rhythm has been related to the operation of a generic mechanism involved in error detection processes of different types (e.g., detecting incorrect motor responses or incorrect arithmetic equations). This theta activity seems to be sensitive to error salience or magnitude, that is, stronger theta activity is found with larger or more deviant errors (e.g., 1+2=8) than with smaller or less deviant ones (e.g., 1+2=4). A time-frequency decomposition analysis indicated that theta activity is modulated by the magnitude of erroneous information in a nonlinear fashion, which can be characterized using Weber-Fechner's law of logarithmic function and Stevens' law of power function. The present study suggests that the generic mechanisms for error detection and evaluation may share similar fundamental neural schemes with primary cognitive and sensory or perceptual processes, which are directly involved in processing the specific type of input.

Neural correlates of error-related learning deficits in individuals with psychopathy

Psychopathy (PP) is associated with a performance deficit in a variety of stimulus-response and stimulus-reinforcement learning paradigms. We tested the hypothesis that failures in error monitoring underlie these learning deficits. We measured electrophysiological correlates of error monitoring [error-related negativity (ERN)] during a probabilistic learning task in individuals with PP (n=13) and healthy matched control subjects (n=18). The task consisted of three graded learning conditions in which the amount of learning was manipulated by varying the degree to which the response was predictive of the value of the feedback (50, 80 and 100%). Behaviourally, we found impaired learning and diminished accuracy in the group of individuals with PP. Amplitudes of the response ERN (rERN) were reduced. No differences in the feedback ERN (fERN) were found. The results are interpreted in terms of a deficit in initial rule learning and subsequent generalization of these rules to new stimuli. Negative feedback is adequately processed at a neural level but this information is not used to improve behaviour on subsequent trials. As learning is degraded, the process of error detection at the moment of the actual response is diminished. Therefore, the current study demonstrates that disturbed error-monitoring processes play a central role in the often reported learning deficits in individuals with PP.

Functional developmental changes underlying response inhibition and error-detection processes

This study examined the developmental trajectories associated with response inhibition and error processing as exemplar executive processes. We present fMRI data showing developmental changes to the functional networks underlying response inhibition and error-monitoring, comparing activation between adults and young adolescents performing the sustained attention to response task (SART). During successful inhibitions, we observed greater activation for the young adolescents than for the adults, in a widely distributed network including frontal, parietal and medial regions. When inhibition failed, however, adults showed increased activation compared to young adolescents in a number of regions, including bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, left and right lingual gyri, the right insula, and cerebellar regions. These differences largely remained even when the two groups were matched for performance, suggesting that performance differences are unlikely to be the driving factor behind these developmental differences. Instead, the neurodevelopmental trajectory of these important executive functions may reveal the basis for the immature executive functioning of the young adolescent.

Single Medial Prefrontal Neurons Cope with Error

Learning from mistakes is a key feature of human behavior. However, the mechanisms underlying short-term adaptation to erroneous action are still poorly understood. One possibility relies on the modulation of attentional systems after an error. To explore this possibility, we have designed a Stroop-like visuo-motor task in monkeys that favors incorrect action. Using this task, we previously found that single neurons recorded from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were closely tuned to behavioral performance and, more particularly, that the activity of most neurons was biased towards the evaluation of erroneous action. Here we describe single neurons engaged in both error detection and response alertness processing, whose activation is closely associated with the improvement of subsequent behavioral performance. Specifically, we show that the effect of a warning stimulus on neuronal firing is enhanced after an erroneous response rather than a successful one and that this outcome is correlated with an error rate decrease. Our results suggest that the anterior cingulate cortex, which exhibits this activity, serves as a powerful computational locus for rapid behavioral adaptation.

Detection and Correction of Non-Words in Arabic: A Hybrid Approach

As Arabic is known for its highly inflectional morphological structure, this hybrid approach is utilizing morphological knowledge in form of consistent root-pattern relationships, and some morpho-syntactical knowledge based on affixation and morphographemic rules to specify the word recognition and non-word correction process. Furthermore this paper is proposing novel probabilistic measures for completing the task of the correction by locating, reducing and ranking of the most probable correction candidates in Arabic derivative words. In this context based on frequency of occurrence analysis, two probabilistic measures are introduced, Root-Pattern Predictive Value, RPV, and Pattern-Root Predictive Value, PPV. Moreover, keyboard effect, letter sound and similarity are considered in addition to some lexical features as a supplementary aid to improve the process of error detection and correction.

Neural Evidence for Enhanced Error Detection in Major Depressive Disorder

Anomalies in error processing have been implicated in the etiology and maintenance of major depressive disorder. In particular, depressed individuals exhibit heightened sensitivity to error-related information and negative environmental cues, along with reduced responsivity to positive reinforcers. The authors examined the neural activation associated with error processing in individuals diagnosed with and without major depression and the sensitivity of these processes to modulation by monetary task contingencies. The error-related negativity and error-related positivity components of the event-related potential were used to characterize error monitoring in individuals with major depressive disorder and the degree to which these processes are sensitive to modulation by monetary reinforcement. Nondepressed comparison subjects (N=17) and depressed individuals (N=18) performed a flanker task under two external motivation conditions (i.e., monetary reward for correct responses and monetary loss for incorrect responses) and a nonmonetary condition. After each response, accuracy feedback was provided. The error-related negativity component assessed the degree of anomaly in initial error detection, and the error positivity component indexed recognition of errors. Across all conditions, the depressed participants exhibited greater amplitude of the error-related negativity component, relative to the comparison subjects, and equivalent error positivity amplitude. In addition, the two groups showed differential modulation by task incentives in both components. These data implicate exaggerated early error-detection processes in the etiology and maintenance of major depressive disorder. Such processes may then recruit excessive neural and cognitive resources that manifest as symptoms of depression.

Error Detection Processes During Observational Learning

The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether a faded knowledge of results (KR) frequency during observation of a model's performance enhanced error detection capabilities. During the observation phase, participants observed a model performing a timing task and received KR about the model's performance on each trial or on one of two trials. Delayed retention and transfer tests were used to assess the observer's ability to detect error in the model's performance and in the participant's performance while physically practicing the task. Results indicated a beneficial effect of a reduced KR frequency for performance stability and the ability to detect errors in both the model and the participant's own performance. The results suggest that aspects of the processing mechanism(s) developed in observational learning and related to KR are probably similar to those developed through physical practice.

Error Detection Processes During Observational Learning

The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether a faded knowledge of results (KR) frequency during observation of a model's performance enhanced error detection capabilities. During the observation phase, participants observed a model performing a timing task and received KR about the model's performance on each trial or on one of two trials. Delayed retention and transfer tests were used to assess the observer's ability to detect error in the model's performance and in the participant's performance while physically practicing the task. Results indicated a beneficial effect of a reduced KR frequency for performance stability and the ability to detect errors in both the model and the participant's own performance. The results suggest that aspects of the processing mechanism(s) developed in observational learning and related to KR are probably similar to those developed through physical practice.

An unnecessary response is detected faster than an insufficient response

Error-related negativity is an event-related potential component that is observed when participants make errors and reflects action monitoring that involves error detection. In this study, an over-response error (responding with both hands when participants were asked to respond with only one hand) and an under-response error (responding with one hand when asked to respond with both hands) were assessed by the characteristics of the error-related negativity during a modified Eriksen flankers task. The results indicated that a bimanual response error also elicited the error-related negativity, and that the onset latency of the error-related negativity was shorter for an over-response error than for an under-response error. Thus, these results suggest that the error-detection process is more sensitive to an unnecessary response than to an insufficient response.

Collaborative Cross-Checking to Enhance Resilience

There has been a longstanding consensus that supporting error detection and recovery processes is critical for very high safety levels because it increases system resilience. System resilience is defined in Resilience Engineering as successful adaptation to variations, changes, and surprises by organizations, groups, or individuals. Cross-checking is a critical component of resilience because it can enable detection of erroneous assessments or actions while negative consequences can be mitigated or eliminated. Prior studies suggest that cross-checking where an additional human with a fresh perspective breaks fixations may be an effective strategy. Nevertheless, collaborative cross-checking remains a somewhat murky concept. In this paper, we describe in detail three healthcare incidents where collaborative cross-checking played a key role. Emerging patterns that provide opportunities for follow-on research are discussed.

Increased instrument intelligence--can it reduce laboratory error?

Recent literature has focused on the reduction of laboratory errors and the potential impact on patient management. This study assessed the intelligent, automated preanalytical process-control abilities in newer generation analyzers as compared with older analyzers and the impact on error reduction. Three generations of immuno-chemistry analyzers were challenged with pooled human serum samples for a 3-week period. One of the three analyzers had an intelligent process of fluidics checks, including bubble detection. Bubbles can cause erroneous results due to incomplete sample aspiration. This variable was chosen because it is the most easily controlled sample defect that can be introduced. Traditionally, lab technicians have had to visually inspect each sample for the presence of bubbles. This is time consuming and introduces the possibility of human error. Instruments with bubble detection may be able to eliminate the human factor and reduce errors associated with the presence of bubbles. Specific samples were vortexed daily to introduce a visible quantity of bubbles, then immediately placed in the daily run. Errors were defined as a reported result greater than three standard deviations below the mean and associated with incomplete sample aspiration of the analyte of the individual analyzer Three standard deviations represented the target limits of proficiency testing. The results of the assays were examined for accuracy and precision. Efficiency, measured as process throughput, was also measured to associate a cost factor and potential impact of the error detection on the overall process. The analyzer performance stratified according to their level of internal process control The older analyzers without bubble detection reported 23 erred results. The newest analyzer with bubble detection reported one specimen incorrectly. The precision and accuracy of the nonvortexed specimens were excellent and acceptable for all three analyzers. No errors were found in the nonvortexed specimens. There were no significant differences in overall process time for any of the analyzers when tests were arranged in an optimal configuration. The analyzer with advanced fluidic intelligence demostrated the greatest ability to appropriately deal with an incomplete aspiration by not processing and reporting a result for the sample. This study suggests that preanalytical process-control capabilities could reduce errors. By association, it implies that similar intelligent process controls could favorably impact the error rate and, in the case of this instrument, do it without negatively impacting process throughput. Other improvements may be realized as a result of having an intelligent error-detection process including further reduction in misreported results, fewer repeats, less operator intervention, and less reagent waste.

Effects of speeds and force fields on submovements during circular manual tracking in humans

Complex limb movements exhibit segmentation into submovements characterized as bell-shaped speed pulses. Submovements have been implicated in both feedback and feedforward control, reflecting an intermittent error-correction process. This study examines submovements occurring during a circular manual tracking task in humans, focusing on the amplitude-duration scaling of submovements and the properties of this scaling across changes in movement speed and external force load. The task consisted of intercepting and tracking a circularly moving target using a two-jointed, robotic arm that allowed external force fields to be imposed during tracking. Different speed levels and different levels of three types of force field were examined. Submovements were defined as fluctuations in the speed profile. The properties of the amplitude-duration ratio of the speed pulses were examined in relation to target speed and external force fields. The results show that the amplitude and duration of the submovements scale linearly in human manual tracking. The slope of the scaling was independently influenced by both target speed and external force fields. A common element in the increase in the scaling slope was increased tracking errors. Control experiments using passive movements and power spectral analysis showed that the submovements were not artifacts of the mechanical/acquisition system or the imposed force field. These results are consistent with the concept of stereotypy in which movements are constructed of scaled versions of a single prototype. Furthermore, the results support the hypothesis that submovements are integral to an error detection and correction control process.

External Behavior Monitoring Mirrors Internal Behavior Monitoring

Abstract: The discovery of mirror neurons in monkeys has reshaped thinking about how the brain processes observed actions. There is growing evidence that these neurons, which show similar firing patterns for action execution and observation, also exist in humans. Many parts of the motor system required to perform a specific action are activated during the observation of the same action. We hypothesized that behavior monitoring that occurs during action execution is mirrored during action observation. To test this, we measured error negativity/error-related negativity (Ne/ERN) while participants performed and observed a Go/NoGo task. The Ne/ERN is an event-related potential that is thought to reflect an error detection process in the brain. In addition to finding an Ne/ERN for performed errors, we found that an Ne/ERN was also generated for observed errors. The Ne/ERN for observed errors may reflect a system that plays a key role in imitation and observational learning.

Auditor Detected Misstatements and the Effect of Information Technology

This paper presents information on the causes and detection of misstatements by auditors and the relationship of those misstatements with information technology (IT). The last major study of misstatements and IT used data that were gathered in 1988. In the intervening period, there have been significant changes in IT, possibly altering the error generation and detection process. Two research questions related to detected misstatements and the effect of IT are examined. The six largest public accounting firms in Norway provided data from 58 engagements. We find that (1) the major causes of misstatements were missing, poorly designed, and improperly applied controls; inadequate methods used to select, train and supervise accounting personnel; and an excessive workload for accounting personnel, (2) missing and poorly designed controls, and excessive workload for accounting personnel were more likely to be causes of misstatements in computerized business processes than those that were not computerized, and (3) the increased use of tests of details over attention directing procedures on audits appears to result from auditors deciding that it is more effective or efficient to conduct such tests than rely upon IT controls. These findings have important implications for both audit practitioners and researchers.

Neurophysiological evidence of error-monitoring deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

The present study was designed to investigate the time-course of neural activity underlying the disruption of response monitoring in patients with schizophrenia. Event-related brain potentials were recorded from 12 patients with schizophrenia and from 12 age-matched controls while they performed a computerized version of the Stroop color-naming task. In control participants, but not in patients with schizophrenia, intrusion errors elicited an error-related negativity (ERN) that peaked at approximately 40 ms after the response and was maximum over the central region of the scalp. Brain electrical source analysis revealed an anterior cingulate generator for the ERN. Patients also showed reduced error-related slowing of response time following intrusion errors. These findings provide neuro-physiological evidence indicating that deficits in error monitoring in schizophrenia arise from a disruption of error-detection processes, possibly attributable to anterior cingulate dysfunction.

Examining the Specificity of Practice Hypothesis: Is Learning Modality Specific?

The specificity of practice hypothesis was examined using a tracking task. In Experiment 1, visual or auditory feedback about performance was provided. Vision was more useful than audition early in acquisition. Performance gains found in acquisition were maintained during retention, but learning was specific only if the acquisition modality was visual. Specificity did not increase with the amount of practice. In Experiment 2, visual and auditory information were combined. Again, the specificity of practice hypothesis was supported. Also, instructing participants to attend to one information source allowed us to demonstrate that information can be explicitly or implicitly processed. Further, specificity effects may occur because of different rates of development for error detection and correction processes.

Syntactic Processing in Left Prefrontal Cortex Is Independent of Lexical Meaning

Inlanguage comprehension a syntactic representation is built up even when the input is semantically uninterpretable. We report data on brain activation during syntactic processing, from an experiment on the detection of grammatical errors in meaningless sentences. The experimental paradigm was such that the syntactic processing was distinguished from other cognitive and linguistic functions. The data reveal that in syntactic error detection an area of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, adjacent to Broca's area, is specifically involved in the syntactic processing aspects, whereas other prefrontal areas subserve general error detection processes.

Is the ‘error negativity’ specific to errors?

When subjects make an erroneous response in a choice reaction time task, an error negativity, or error-related negativity ( N E/ERN), peaking at about 100 ms after EMG onset, has been described. This wave is often considered to be absent on correct response trials. We report a small N E/ERN wave on correct response trials during a choice reaction time task in which surface Laplacians were estimated by the source derivation method. This wave is well focused at FCz, and its time course is the same for correct responses trials, incorrect sub-threshold EMG activation trials, and error trials. Current source density maps, also indicate a focus at FCz. A second experiment showed the existence of a N E at FCz on correct trials during a simple RT task. Rather than an error detection process per se, we propose that the N E/ERN reflects either a comparison process leading secondarily to error detection, or an emotional reaction.

How Do Actuaries Use Data Containing Errors?

Information systems provide data for business processes and decision making. There is strong evidence that data items stored in organizational databases have a significant rate of errors. If undetected in use, errors in data may significantly affect business outcomes. The question examined in this paper is the extent to which business professionals are able to evaluate the quality of data in the information systems they use and the impact of their evaluations on decision-making behavior. Models of error detection and error correction processes are developed. The validity of the models is then examined through an analysis of interviews with ten actuaries. The findings show that actuaries detect errors in data using three general methods and that actuaries consider feasibility and costs when deciding whether to correct data errors.

Joint effect of test effort and learning factor on software reliability and optimal release policy

This paper presents a realistic approach for software reliability growth modelling incorporating the joint effect of test effort and learning factor. The error detection process in software is described using a non-homogeneous Poisson process. Maximum likelihood estimates of the reliability growth parameters are obtained using a numerical method. Optimal release policies for cost and reliability are discussed. Finally, an example using real-life data is presented for illustration and comparison