An ERP study of the temporal course of the Stroop color-word interference effect

Neuropsychologia. 2000;38(5):701-11. doi: 10.1016/s0028-3932(99)00106-2.

Abstract

The electrophysiological correlates of the Stroop color-word interference effect were studied in eight healthy subjects using high-density Event-Related Potentials (ERPs). Three response modalities were compared: Overt Verbal, Covert Verbal, and Manual. Both Overt Verbal and Manual versions of the Stroop yielded robust Stroop color-word interference as indexed by longer RT for incongruent than congruent color words. The Incongruent vs Congruent ERP difference wave presented two effects. A first effect was a medial dorsal negativity between 350-500 ms post-stimulus (peak at 410 ms). This effect had a significantly different scalp distribution in the Verbal and Manual Stroop versions, with an anterior-medial focus for overt or covert speech, and a broader medial-dorsal distribution for the manual task. Dipole source analysis suggested two independent generators in anterior cingulate cortex. Later on in time, a prolonged positivity developed between 500-800 ms post-stimulus over left superior temporo-parietal scalp. This effect was present for all the three response modalities. A possible interpretation of these results is that Stroop color-word interference first activates anterior cingulate cortex (350-500 ms post-stimulus), followed by activation of the left temporo-parietal cortex, possibly related to the need of additional processing of word meaning.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Color Perception / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology