The role of the striatal GABA and glutamate system for the modulation of the congruency sequence effect by perceptual processes: integrating behavior, psychophysiology, and structure-specific neurochemistry

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Christian Beste
• Subject Area: Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 422643708

Response selection and control processes are central to cope with the fluctuating environmental demands we encounter. However, response monitoring depends on previous trial history/experience. An example of this phenomenon is the congruency sequence effect (CSE). Several theoretical conceptions have been put forward to explain the CSE. Some of these accounts imply that modulations of perceptual processes should have a strong impact on the CSE. Yet, the specific effects at a psychophysiological level and the question what functional neuroanatomical structures in combination with neurobiological parameters are important to consider are still indeterminate. On the basis of several theoretical considerations, this project examines the role of the striatal GABAergic and glutamatergic system for the modulation of the congruency sequence effect (CSE) by perceptual information (i.e. bottom-up associative processes). To this end, psychophysiological (EEG) methods are combined with structural neurobiochemical methods (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in different workpackages/experiments manipulating bottom-up (perceptual) associative aspects during the CSE. This allows a comprehensive evaluation and integration of mechanistic factors at a structure-specific neurochemical level with psychophysiology and behavior. The results of the project will provide insights into neural processes underlying the modulation of the CSE by perceptual/sensory processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants