Mismatching Feedback and Punishment-Reward System (Bis/Bas)- Effects on Fern and P3 Erp Modulation

Disruption of our sense of being in control and causally determinant in action was explored in the present research by inducing an erroneous external spatial feedback in response to the subject’s behavior. ERPs (event-related potentials) were recorded when subjects were receiving matching or mismatching feedback information on spatial direction. In addition, subjective sensitivity to the external cues was monitored by using BIS (Behavioral Inhibition System) and BAS (Behavioral Activation System) measures. A feedback-error ERP effect (FERN) was revealed, deputed to monitor the unattended feedback. Moreover, a P3 deflection was observed, increased in response to false spatial feedback. According to the context-updating hypothesis, the P3 may reflect the revision of the mental model of the context. Finally, BIS showed to be more sensitive to both veridical and false feedback, whereas BAS revealed an increased proactive attitude to external feedback (higher P3).