Aging, probabilistic learning and performance monitoring

This study examined age-related alterations in electrocortical indices of performance monitoring in a probabilistic learning situation. The results showed differences between younger and older adults in the modulation of response- and feedback-related negativities by feedback validity. In younger adults, the error-related negativity/error negativity (ERN/Ne) was larger than the correct response-related negativity (CRN) in the high and medium feedback validity condition, whereas the feedback-related negativity (FRN) differentiated between positive and negative feedback in the low feedback validity condition. In older adults, amplitudes of the ERN/Ne and the CRN were dissociated only in the high feedback validity condition and the FRN did not differ between positive and negative feedback. This finding might suggest that performance monitoring is more prone to interference by probabilistic information in older adults. Further, the salience of negative feedback seems reduced with age.

Research highlights▶ ERN and CRN amplitudes are dissociated when feedback validity is high. ▶ The FRN differs between negative and positive feedback when feedback validity is low. ▶ Older adults seem to be more prone to interference by probabilistic information.