Reward enhances backward inhibition in task switching

Abstract

Recently, effects of reward incentives on interference-induced cognitive adjustments have drawn much attention. It has been demonstrated that reward can reduce or eliminate switch costs which occurred when alternating between different tasks. However, it still remains a question how reward affects inhibitory processes underlying task switching. The present study examined this issue by combining a task-switching paradigm with performance-contingent reward. Results showed that the inhibitory processes were modulated by reward, with n-2 repetition costs incremented after reward delivery. Data suggest that reward-triggered reduction or elimination of switch costs may reflect enhancing inhibitory processes which are motivated by reward signals and targeted at the irrelevant task set. These findings shed new light on the role of reward in cognitive control.

Keywords:

• Backward inhibition
• Cognitive control
• Interference
• Reward
• Task switching

The authors would like to thank Mei-Ching Lien, Iring Koch and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.

The authors would like to thank Mei-Ching Lien, Iring Koch and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.