University of Twente Student Theses
Insights into cognitive processing of the go/nogo Discrete Sequence Production task: A replication study
Althof, H.W. (2021) Insights into cognitive processing of the go/nogo Discrete Sequence Production task: A replication study.
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| Abstract: | Motor sequence learning (MSL) is important to successfully perform various daily activities. One way to measure motor sequence learning is by using the Discrete Sequence Production (DSP) task to investigate various behavioural phenomena. However, the original DSP task involves action preparation and execution which occur temporarily close to each other, leading to difficulty in detangling these processes. This could lead to confounding issues when using cortical measurements during MSL (e.g. electroencephalogram; EEG). To overcome this issue, a go/nogo DSP task can be used to separate cognitive and motor-related processes. The present study aimed at replicating previous findings and further uncover other associated learning phenomena in the go/nogo DSP task compared to the original DSP task. Thirty-one participants completed five training blocks, each containing 48 trials of various six-key sequences. The focus was to first replicate results of general learning ability during a go/nogo DSP task, i.e. accuracy levels and response times. Secondly, the concatenation phenomenon was investigated in the go/nogo DSP task. Lastly, it was sought to understand functional post-error slowing to further elucidate cognitive processing differences compared to the original DSP task. All outcomes were compared using linear mixed-effects models between the subjects. The results showed similar general learning effects (i.e. improved accuracy and shorter response times with extended practice) as was found in previous studies with the go/nogo DSP task. The concatenation phenomenon also appeared to be evident and comparable to previous results with the go/nogo DSP task. In contrast, post-error slowing appeared to support a non-functional account for the go/nogo DSP task, whereas it was found of a functional account in the original DSP task. In conclusion, the replication of general learning phenomenon shows that the go/nogo DSP task is robust, but new insight to error-related cognitive processes should be further investigated. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/86926 |
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