Updating the relationship of the Ne/ERN to task-related behavior: A brief review and suggestions for future research

Abstract

The error negativity/error-related negativity (Ne/ERN) is one of the most well-studied event-related potential (ERP) components in the electroencephalography (EEG) literature. Peaking about 50 ms after the commission of an error, the Ne/ERN is a negative deflection in the ERP waveform that is thought to reflect error processing in the brain. While its relationships to trait constructs such as anxiety are well-documented, there is still little known about how the Ne/ERN may subsequently influence task-related behavior. In other words, does the occurrence of the Ne/ERN trigger any sort of error corrective process, or any other behavioral adaptation to avoid errors? Several theories have emerged to explain how the Ne/ERN may implement or affect behavior on a task, but evidence supporting each has been mixed. In the following manuscript, we review these theories, and then systematically discuss the reasons that there may be discrepancies in the literature. We review both the inherent biological factors of the neural regions that underlie error-processing in the brain, and some of the researcher-induced factors in analytic and experimental choices that may be exacerbating these discrepancies. We end with a table of recommendations for future researchers who aim to understand the relationship between the Ne/ERN and behavior.

Keywords: anterior cingulate cortex; behavior; cognitive control; error monitoring; error-related negativity; performance monitoring; post-error accuracy; post-error slowing.

FIGURE 1

Example of potential pathways that can influence our interpretations of the relationship between Ne/ERN and behavior. For example, one task might engage underlying “conflict detection” systems more so than error detection to produce an Ne/ERN. From here, differential neural systems might be recruited to implement a variety of behavioral adjustments. Lastly, researcher analytical choices (i.e., pre-processing, number of errors included) can still influence interpretations. This graphic is intended to depict the numerous pathways that can exist to influence results, even within one task paradigm. Original graphic created using Canva.com (© via Canva.com).