The Impact of Cognitive Control Training on Error-Monitoring

Abstract: Objective: This study examined whether cognitive control (CC) training, based on a hybrid flanker Go/No-go task in healthy individuals, improves error-monitoring at behavioral and electrophysiological levels compared to a placebo training (Episodic memory training; EM) or no training (NT). We also assessed whether these effects persisted one-week posttraining. Method: Participants were assigned to one of three groups: CC, EM, or NT. Behavioral performance was measured via reaction times (RTs) and commission errors, while electrophysiological analyses focused on the amplitude and latency of the error-related negativity (ERN) and correct-related negativity (CRN) components. A 3 × 3 ANOVA analyzed training effects at pretraining (T0), posttraining (T1), and one week later (T2). Results: The CC group exhibited significantly greater RT improvements at T1 compared to the EM and NT groups. Commission errors decreased only at T2 in the CC group. No CRN changes were observed. The CC group displayed a transient reduction in ERN amplitude at T1, coinciding with RT improvements, before returning to baseline at T2. The EM group showed an ERN increase without behavioral changes. Conclusion: Cognitive control training led to both immediate and delayed improvements in error-monitoring. The early reduction in ERN amplitude, coupled with faster RTs, suggests increased response efficiency, while the later decrease in commission errors indicates a consolidation phase for behavioral adjustments. The absence of significant changes in the EM and NT groups highlights the specificity of cognitive control training in modulating performance and neural activity. These findings support its potential for enhancing executive functions through targeted interventions.