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Post-error attention control: Frontal theta is strategic whereas posterior alpha/beta is reflexive

Poster Session E - Monday, March 9, 2026, 2:30 – 4:30 pm PDT, Fairview/Kitsilano Ballroom

James Cavanagh¹, Mark Lavelle¹, Andrew Zhang², Alexander Fengler²; ¹University of New Mexico, ²Brown University

Errors inhibit attainment of our goals, but there are many ways to get back on track: from increased caution to heightened attention. We examined EEG signatures of control and perception in 21 participants who completed a flanker task with trial-wise fluctuations in luminance. Leveraging recent developments in neural network-based likelihood free inference methods, we performed hierarchical Bayesian parameter inference using a variant of the Shrinking Spotlight model. This novel Hierarchical Sequential Sampling Model specifically allowed us to algorithmically decompose post-error adjustments into interpretable latent features. Control-related changes following an error included the predicted relationship between frontal midline theta power and raised decision threshold. Perceptual changes elicited by luminance caused diminished posterior alpha/beta power, and both these features loaded on an enhanced drift rate. While alpha/beta power was significantly altered after an error, it did not relate to an increased drift rate, nor did the effect of luminance. These findings support the role of frontal cortex in direct adaptation for strategic control, whereas sensory-specific mechanisms of attentional adjustment appear to be more generic, reflexive, and unmodified by control demands.

Topic Area: EXECUTIVE PROCESSES: Goal maintenance & switching