Activation of Self-Knowledge Reduces Conflict During Occupational Choice: An ERP Study

Abstract

We investigated whether the activation of self-knowledge reduces conflict during occupational choice, which can elicit many correct answers. Conflict was measured via event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Results of this study showed that activation of self-knowledge reduces conflict during occupational choice. Our results suggest that, in a situation in which two or more possible correct answers exist, people use self-knowledge as a benchmark to reduce conflict by biasing either choice of behavior.

Keywords:

• benchmark hypothesis
• conflict-related negativity (CRN)
• medial prefrontal cortex
• occupational choice
• self-knowledge
• social behavior selection