The impact of prefrontal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on conflict resolution and its phenomenological dynamics

Abstract

The effects of applying non-invasive brain stimulation techniques on conflict resolution performance is still an open question. Here we will address this issue by assessing the cognitive and physiological effects of applying anodal and cathodal HD-tDCS over DLPFC on conflict resolution by using a 30' flanker task. Moreover, the effects of the stimulation on phenomenological dynamics over the course of the task will be addressed. In a pre-registered, randomized, sham-controlled, parallel study, we will assign participants to one of the 3 groups of stimulation: anodal, cathodal, sham. A pre-post resting state EEG and the task-related oscillatory activity during the first and last 6' temporal blocks of the task will be measured. Stimulation will be applied online from the second to the fourth block of trials (18'). Right after, participants will be asked to report their temporal experience tracing. Behavioral data will be analyzed by applying a drift diffusion modelling. This novel approach will allow us to get a more thorough understanding of cognitive processes and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the effects of stimulation on conflict resolution. As far as we know, this will be the most comprehensive work on this topic