Event-related potentials to different feedback stimuli.

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in a time estimation task under different feedback conditions, in which the informative value of the feedback signals (true versus false) was manipulated. A control condition was added in which no signal was presented. Fifteen subjects pressed a button 3 seconds after presentation of a warning signal. Two seconds after the response, a visual feedback signal was presented, indicating whether the preceding interval was estimated correctly. Two different slow waves were observed: the response was preceded by a readiness potential and the feedback stimulus was preceded by a negative slow wave called the stimulus-preceding negativity. The readiness potential was not influenced by the different feedback conditions. The stimulus-preceding negativity was larger in the true feedback condition compared to the false feedback and no feedback conditions. The P300 to the feedback signal was also larger following a true as compared to a false feedback signal. The conclusion is that the stimulus-preceding negativity is an anticipatory component contingent upon the presentation of an informative feedback signal.