Prime retrieval of motor responses in negative priming: Evidence from lateralized readiness potentials

In two experiments using a sequential prime–probe design we analyzed whether distractors repeated as targets retrieve the former prime response, although the prime response had to be withheld until after probe responding. Following Gibbons and Stahl (2008), we applied the lateralized readiness potential (LRP) as a measure for the retrieval of compatible or incompatible motor activation from the prime. When targets retrieved episodes containing the same response hand, the LRP onset occurred earlier, whereas when targets retrieved episodes containing the other response hand, the LRP onset was delayed. This data pattern supports prime-response retrieval theories of negative priming (Mayr and Buchner, 2006; Rothermund, De Houwer, and Wentura, 2005). In addition, the results show that executing a prime response is not a precondition for stimulus–response bindings.

Research highlights
► Ignored distractors elicited slowed responses when repeated as targets.
► Behavioral effects were accompanied by motor activation as evidenced in the LRP.
► When response-hand was repeated the LRP was facilitated.
► When response-hands changed the LRP was delayed.