Abstract:

Cognitive control, the higher cognitive function essential for goal-oriented behavior, is currently a hot topic in cognitive neuroscience research. Researchers have frequently examined various stimulus-response-compatibility (SRC) effects and conflict adaptation (CA) effects to elucidate mechanisms of cognitive control. This article reviewed recent empirical studies utilizing these SRC and CA paradigms. Based on the universal framework of dimensional overlap theory and conflict monitoring theory, we proposed a unique theory on modular organization of cognitive control, in which different types of conflicts are detected by distinct conflict monitoring nodes and then resolved by a common module of executive control.

Key words: cognitive control, stimulus-response-compatible effect, conflict adaptation effect, computational model