On the interdependence of post-error control and memory

Hannah Dames, Christina U. Pfeuffer
2021 Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory and Cognition  
Post-error cognitive control processes are evident in post-error slowing (PES) and post-error increased accuracy (PIA). A recent theory (Wessel, 2018) proposes that post-error control disrupts not only ongoing motor activity but also current task-set representations, suggesting an interdependence of post-error control and memory. In 2 experiments, we directly tested this interdependence using response repeat/switch targets. As participants' memory of the previously-given response determined
more » ... r next response, we predicted that participants would not show post-error performance improvements, or may even exhibit decrements (memory obstruction hypothesis). In line with a weak version of the memory obstruction hypothesis, participants' performance did not improve post-error regardless of preparation time across several measures (intertrial interval 500 ms-3000 ms). This could not alternatively be explained by a lack in post-error processing or error awareness. Thus, our results suggest an interdependence of memory and cognitive control in post-error processing, and we offer a novel way of directly assessing this interdependence using response repeat/switch targets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
doi:10.1037/xlm0001057 pmid:34472919 fatcat:biektusdgne5bfcancly7ia3xa