Temporal localization of the response selection processing stage

Abstract : Response choice is one of the stages in the information processing model proposed by Sanders. It is influenced by stimulus-response (S-R) compatibility. Segmentation of the processing window in intervals between RT and peak latencies and between peak latencies, was used to test the assumption that the decisional processes would be concomitant with the N200 rather than the P300 component. ERPs were recorded in ten subjects during a spatial S-R compatibility auditory task. The S-R compatibility effect is observed on P300 latencies but is only a trend on the N200 component. An effect also observed on the interval between RT and N200 and especially between N200 and P300 while no effect is observed on the interval between RT and P300. These results support the idea that the selection processes ending with P300 occurrence could start as early as the N200 peak component.