Neural Communication Patterns Underlying Conflict Detection, Resolution, and Adaptation

“…To first establish the neural dynamics underlying reactive conflict processing within a trial, we used time-resolved LMMs to predict single-trial neural power in theta, beta, and HFA bands (Figure 2). In line with previous conflict studies 6,8,9,24,33–35 , theta power was higher during response preparation in Conflict than NoConflict trials in dmPFC (LMM, all p<=0.022) but not dlPFC (Figure 2C). Similarly, dmPFC and dlPFC both showed HFA increases just before and during the response for Conflict relative to NoConflict trials (LMM, dmPFC: all p=0, dlPFC: all p<=0.006; Figure 2B).…”

“…Single-trial modeling of neural power revealed a sequence of within-trial conflict processing dynamics that differentiated dmPFC and dlPFC. In line with previous findings 6–9,24,33–35 , conflict triggered an increase in dmPFC theta and HFA increases in both regions. Building on these classic effects, we report novel effects of conflict, which increased a pre-response beta desynchronization in dlPFC and a post-response beta rebound in both regions, as well as suppressing theta in both regions after responses to conflict.…”

“…To first establish the neural dynamics underlying reactive conflict processing within a trial, we used time-resolved LMMs to predict single-trial neural power in theta, beta, and HFA bands ( Figure 2 ). In line with previous conflict studies, 6 , 8 , 9 , 24 , 29 , 38 , 39 theta power was higher during response preparation in Conflict than NoConflict trials in dmPFC (LMM, all p ≤ 0.022) but not dlPFC ( Figure 2 C). Similarly, dmPFC and dlPFC both showed HFA increases just before and during the response for Conflict relative to NoConflict trials (LMM, dmPFC: all p = 0, dlPFC: all p ≤ 0.006; Figure 2 B).…”

“…Single-trial modeling of neural power revealed a sequence of within-trial conflict processing dynamics that differentiated dmPFC and dlPFC. In line with previous findings, 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 24 , 29 , 38 , 39 conflict triggered an increase in dmPFC theta and HFA increases in both regions. Building on these classic effects, we report additional effects of conflict, which increased a pre-response beta desynchronization in dlPFC and a post-response beta rebound in both regions, as well as suppressing theta in both regions after responses.…”

“…Thus, these areas could either represent the strength of the harm aversion motive, or they could be involved in processing/resolving the conflict between concerns about inequality and harm. The latter interpretation may be in line with previous findings that DMPFC/ACC, IFG, and MFG are often activated during cognitive control, conflict resolution, or behavioral adaptation ( 37 , 38 ); and that TPJ is involved in mentalizing and perspective taking ( 39 , 40 ). However, none of the neural effects in these areas were associated with the strength of behavioral harm aversion or inequality aversion, or the probability of more equal choice in the Rank-reversal condition.…”