Processing graded feedback: Electrophysiological correlates of learning from small and large errors

Feedback processing is important for learning and therefore may affect the consolidation of skills. Considerable research demonstrates electrophysiological differences between correct and incorrect feedback, but how we learn from small versus large errors is usually overlooked. This study investigated electrophysiological differences when processing small or large error feedback during a time estimation task. Data from high-learners and low-learners were analyzed separately. In both high- and low-learners, large error feedback was associated with higher feedback-related negativity (FRN) and small error feedback was associated with a larger P300 and increased amplitude over the motor related areas of the left hemisphere. In addition, small error feedback induced larger desynchronization in the alpha and beta bands with distinctly different topographies between the two learning groups: The high-learners showed a more localized decrease in beta power over the left frontocentral areas, and the low-learners showed a widespread reduction in the alpha power following small error feedback. Furthermore, only the high-learners showed an increase in phase synchronization between the midfrontal and left central areas. Importantly, this synchronization was correlated to how well the participants consolidated the estimation of the time interval. Thus, although large errors were associated with higher FRN, small errors were associated with larger oscillatory responses, which was more evident in the high-learners. Altogether, our results suggest an important role of the motor areas in the processing of error feedback for skill consolidation

Psychophysiological correlates of the disposition effect

We assess the psychophysiological characteristics underlying the disposition effect and find that subjects showing greater disposition effect are those who sweat more and present lower body temperature and heart rate

On the neural substrates of the disposition effect and return performance

We experimentally assess the disposition effect and return performance, using electroencephalogram to measure the brain activity of the participants. The design of the experiment follows a previous protocol (Frydman et al., 2014). Our sample was made up of 12 undergraduates (all male, age range 18 to 29, mean age 22.2) and five professional stock traders (all male, age range 21 to 37, mean age 30.2). We find neural support for the finding that professionals are more likely to escape the disposition effect (Da Costa Jr et al., 2013). We also find higher heart rate variability and brainwave activation are positively related to stock returns. Electrical activity tends to increase with returns, mainly for the beta waves that are activated in conscious states

On the neural substrates of the disposition effect and return performance

We experimentally assess the disposition effect and return performance, using electroencephalogram to measure the brain activity of the participants. The design of the experiment follows a previous protocol (Frydman et al., 2014). Our sample was made up of 12 undergraduates (all male, age range 18 to 29, mean age 22.2) and five professional stock traders (all male, age range 21 to 37, mean age 30.2). We find neural support for the finding that professionals are more likely to escape the disposition effect (Da Costa Jr et al., 2013). We also find higher heart rate variability and brainwave activation are positively related to stock returns. Electrical activity tends to increase with returns, mainly for the beta waves that are activated in conscious states

IMPLEMENTING A “COGNOTECA”FOR THE COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Children use their own body to explore the world, through the five main senses including vision, hearing, touch, smell and palate. However, our senses are not  been born fully mature, its maturation occurs gradually and the stimulus that children get assists them in this process. The project "Cognoteca" proposes to stimulate the senses through toys, plays, games and recreational activities contributing to the discovery of the body and the world through the senses, stimulating the full development of involved children. The interventions covered all classes of a nursery in the community of Serrinha at the city of Florianopolis. The project was characterized as an extension of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, linked to the Department of Psychology, it was conducted between May to December 2009. The attendance and the evaluation of the project were carried qualitatively, through reflections of each session made by the author jointly with other Psychology interns who had been developed other projects in the Nursery. The results of the project can be evaluated by excellent disposition of participants in all proposed activities

Psychophysiological correlates of the disposition effect.

We assess the psychophysiological characteristics underlying the disposition effect and find that subjects showing greater disposition effect are those who sweat more and present lower body temperature and heart rate

Aggregate disposition effect and heart rate.

<p>Aggregate disposition effect and heart rate.</p

Psychophysiological variables and individual disposition effect.

<p>Psychophysiological variables and individual disposition effect.</p