Abstract: Error positivity (Pe) refers to positive deflection of event-related potentials approximately 200~600 ms after an errant response. Researches in this aspect will help reveal the mechanisms of human error processing. Current evidence shows that Pe mainly arises from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, but different studies fail to reach a consensus on its precise neutral generator. Hypotheses of functional significance of Pe include error awareness, behaviour adaptation, and emotional assessment. When interpreted in light with P3-related theories, Pe may reflect updating of the error context. However, each of these interpretations have been questioned and challenged by some researchers. In view of this, this paper summarizes and analyzes some problems of the existing studies, and offers some suggestions regarding the neutral generator and functional significance of Pe for further study.

Key words: error positivity, error awareness, behaviour adaptation, emotional assessment, P3