Abstract
Introduction: Reinforcement sensitivity theory proposes that three brain-behaviour systems contribute substantially to personality, one of which is the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) (1). The BIS responds to goal conflict. As such, differences in the sensitivity of the BIS can result in differences in sensitivity to goal conflict, making it of interest to neurological personality research (2). In particular, researchers have attempted to link scores on psychometric measures of BIS sensitivity to neurological measures of BIS sensitivity, particularly theta EEG signals (3). However, direct links are currently rare or irreplicable.
Methods: We examined the relationship between psychometric and neurological measures of the BIS by using time frequency analysis to measure theta on a more precise temporal scale. Specifically, we measured theta EEG time-frequency data during a go/no-go task and used the goal-conflict EEG generated to predict psychometrically-defined trait rBIS in regression models.
Results: The results demonstrated changes during the high, compared to the low, goal conflict condition. Firstly, whole-second theta coherence increased between the frontal and posterior regions. Secondly, whole-second theta CSD power increased in the midline. Thirdly, sub-second theta CSD wavelet power decreased in a right frontal, temporally late epoch. Finally, temporally late changes in sub-second alpha wavelet coherence were observed in intra-frontal and frontal-posterior region pairs during goal conflict. However, none of the changes in theta during conflict predicted trait rBIS in regression models.
Discussion: Subsequently, the present study provides additional, whole-second, evidence that characteristic BIS signals, particularly theta activity, are present during goal conflict. However, it appears increased temporal precision alone cannot reveal the missing link between psychometric and neurological measures of the BIS.
Methods: We examined the relationship between psychometric and neurological measures of the BIS by using time frequency analysis to measure theta on a more precise temporal scale. Specifically, we measured theta EEG time-frequency data during a go/no-go task and used the goal-conflict EEG generated to predict psychometrically-defined trait rBIS in regression models.
Results: The results demonstrated changes during the high, compared to the low, goal conflict condition. Firstly, whole-second theta coherence increased between the frontal and posterior regions. Secondly, whole-second theta CSD power increased in the midline. Thirdly, sub-second theta CSD wavelet power decreased in a right frontal, temporally late epoch. Finally, temporally late changes in sub-second alpha wavelet coherence were observed in intra-frontal and frontal-posterior region pairs during goal conflict. However, none of the changes in theta during conflict predicted trait rBIS in regression models.
Discussion: Subsequently, the present study provides additional, whole-second, evidence that characteristic BIS signals, particularly theta activity, are present during goal conflict. However, it appears increased temporal precision alone cannot reveal the missing link between psychometric and neurological measures of the BIS.
| Original language | English |
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| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Sept 2024 |
| Event | British Association for Cognitive Neuroscience Annual Meeting, London, 10-11 September 2024 - City St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom Duration: 10 Sept 2024 → 11 Sept 2024 https://www.bacn.co.uk/conferences |
Conference
| Conference | British Association for Cognitive Neuroscience Annual Meeting, London, 10-11 September 2024 |
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| Abbreviated title | BACN 2024 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | London |
| Period | 10/09/24 → 11/09/24 |
| Internet address |