Worse than feared? Failure induction modulates the electrophysiological signature of error monitoring during subsequent learning

Abstract

This study examined how self-relevant failure influences error monitoring-as reflected in the errorrelated negativity (Ne/ERN) -and behavioral adaptation during subsequent feedback-based learning. We applied two phases (pre-and posttest) of a probabilistic learning task. Between pre-and posttest, participants were assigned to one of two groups receiving either failure feedback or no feedback during a visual search task described as diagnostic of intellectual abilities. To disentangle the effects of failure and motivational disengagement due to prolonged task performance, we linked the posttest to intelligence (Experiment 1) or described it in neutral terms (Experiment 2). Failure induction was associated with an increase in Ne/ ERN amplitude at posttest in both experiments, although there were no differences in overall performance. In contrast, the Ne/ERN decreased from pre-to posttest in the no-failure-feedback group, particularly in Experiment 2. Furthermore, failure feedback affected error-related behavioral adjustments, suggesting a shift toward a reactive, error-driven mode of behavior control. These findings emphasize the importance of affective-motivational state in error processing and subsequent behavioral adaptation.

Punishment sensitivity modulates the processing of negative feedback but not error-induced learning

“…Specifically, we expected the effects of punishment and reward sensitivity on the Ne/ERN and Pe to be larger toward the end compared to the beginning of learning as well as in the deterministic compared to the probabilistic condition, reflecting the participants' ability to represent the correctness of their responses (Holroyd and Coles, 2002). Importantly, previous findings indicate that larger Ne/ERN and FRN amplitudes are associated with more efficient error-related behavioral adjustments (van der Helden et al, 2010; Unger et al, 2012). Moreover, it has recently been shown that hyperresponsivity to punishment cues might be reflected in a strengthening of the coupling between error-related neural responses and behavioral adaptation rather than in performance differences per se (Cavanagh et al, 2011a,b).…”

“…These error signals are assumed to be used by the mPFC to guide adaptive action selection. In support of this view, it has been demonstrated that larger Ne/ERN and FRN amplitudes are associated with a stronger tendency to subsequently avoid the same maladaptive response (Frank et al, 2005; van der Helden et al, 2010; Unger et al, 2012). …”

Feelings of helplessness increase ERN amplitudes in healthyindividuals

“…Wiswede, Münte, Goschke, and Rüsseler (2009) found enhanced ERN amplitudes during a flanker task when presenting unpleasant pictures prior to the flanker stimuli. Furthermore, enhanced ERN amplitudes were reported in participants receiving derogatory feedback during a flanker task (Wiswede, Münte, & Rüsseler, 2009), and after the induction of self-relevant failure in a probabilistic learning task (Unger, Kray, & Mecklinger, 2012). However, the induction of sad feelings via movie clips prior to a flanker task did not alter ERN amplitudes directly.…”

“Trick or treat”: the influence of incentives on developmental changes in feedback-based learning

“…More specifically, the Ne has been proposed to reflect the activity of a generic prefrontal performance monitoring system and to track learning-related changes in the evaluation and utilization of information about performance outcomes (Holroyd and Coles, 2002). Consistent with this notion, previous findings suggested a link between the Ne and error-induced behavioral adaptation during reinforcement learning (e.g., Frank et al, 2005; Gründler et al, 2009; Unger et al, 2012). Moreover, there is substantial evidence for motivational and affective influences on the Ne in adults (for a review, see Gehring et al, 2012).…”

“…Moreover, there is substantial evidence for motivational and affective influences on the Ne in adults (for a review, see Gehring et al, 2012). In particular, the Ne has been shown to be sensitive to the motivational value of an error (e.g., Gehring et al, 1993; Hajcak et al, 2005; Wiswede et al, 2009; Unger et al, 2012). …”