Stimulus conflict predicts conflict adaptation in a numerical flanker task

Psychon Bull Rev. 2006 Dec;13(6):1078-84. doi: 10.3758/bf03213929.

Abstract

Conflict monitoring theory states that response conflict triggers conflict adaptation, resulting in reduced congruency effects after response-incongruent trials (Botvinick, Braver, Barch, Carter, & Cohen, 2001). Verbruggen, Notebaert, Liefooghe, and Vandierendonck (2006) observed conflict adaptation after stimulus-incongruent trials without any response conflict. In this study, we further explorethe hypothesis that stimulus conflict is an important trigger for conflict adaptation. We propose a measure for stimulus conflict that adequately explains the data of Verbruggen et al. and new data from a numerical flanker task. We conclude that stimulus conflict and response conflict have dissociable effects on behavior. Whereas response conflict is a good predictor of response times, stimulus conflict is a better predictor of the adaptation effect.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mathematics*
  • Models, Theoretical