Midfrontal theta tracks action monitoring over multiple interactive time scales

摘要: Quickly detecting and correcting mistakes is a crucial brain function. EEG studies have identified an idiosyncratic electrophysiological signature of online error correction, termed midfrontal theta. Midfrontal theta has so far been investigated over the fast time-scale few hundred milliseconds. But several aspects behavior activity unfold multiple time scales, displaying "scale-free" dynamics that linked to criticality optimal flexibility when responding changing environmental demands. Here we used novel line-tracking task demonstrate transient yet non-phase-locked response modulated by performance at least three scales: milliseconds onset mistake, fixed window previous 5s, scale-free-like fluctuations many tens seconds. These findings provide evidence for role in behavioral adaptation, suggest new approaches linking signatures human executive functioning its neurobiological underpinnings.