Physiological correlates of learning by performance feedback in children: a study of EEG event-related potentials and evoked heart rate

Biol Psychol. 2007 Oct;76(3):174-87. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2007.07.006. Epub 2007 Jul 28.

Abstract

In this study we measured event-related potentials (ERPs) and evoked heart rate (EHR) to investigate performance monitoring in 10-12-year-old children. The children received feedback on their performance while conducting a probabilistic learning task. Error-related ERP components time-locked to the response increased in amplitude when the children had learned the task, whereas the feedback-locked components decreased. Concerning EHR, there was a general reduction in feedback-related heart rate deceleration when the children had learned. Moreover, a prolonged heart rate deceleration was observed at negative feedback onset in comparison to positive feedback, which shifted in timing when the task progressed. Together, the ERP and EHR-measures suggest a shift from external to internal monitoring when the children are learning by performance feedback. The data suggest that error- and feedback-related EHR deceleration is a reflection of the same error monitoring system that is responsible for the emergence of the error-related negativity (ERN).

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brain Mapping
  • Child
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Feedback / physiology*
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Male
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reaction Time / physiology