Brain potentials associated with outcome expectation and outcome evaluation

Neuroreport. 2006 Oct 23;17(15):1649-53. doi: 10.1097/01.wnr.0000236866.39328.1d.

Abstract

Feedback-related negativity is a negative deflection in brain potentials associated with feedback indicating monetary losses or response errors. Feedback-related negativity is studied primarily in paradigms in which participants experience negative outcomes that appear to be contingent upon their previous choices. This study investigated whether feedback-related negativity can be elicited by a randomly assigned cue indicating potential monetary loss. The expected loss or win can be materialized or averted depending on participants' performance in a subsequent game. Compared with the win cue, the loss cue elicited a weak but significant feedback-related negativity-like effect. It is suggested that the anterior cingulate cortex, which generates feedback-related negativity, may function as a pre-warning system that alerts the brain to get ready for future events.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Biofeedback, Psychology / physiology*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cues
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Reinforcement, Psychology