The influence of room size on error monitoring: Evidence from event-related potential responses

Abstract

The effect of environment on human behavior is a central topic for many disciplines. Many physical properties of the built environment, such as room size, modulate human perception and cognition: for instance, restricted physical space may lead to the perception of confinement, and potentially alter human cognitive functions, preferences, and performance. In the present study, we investigated the influence of room size on inhibition control with an established cognitive task (The Eriksen Flanker Task), while participant underwent EEG (electroencephalogram) recording. Specifically, we tested whether making error responses in a small room would lead to greater emotional disturbance as compared to a big room. Consistent with previous studies, reaction time was longer in trials with correct responses than those with error responses. Interestingly, participants in the small room, but not the big room, showed faster reaction time in error trials. For EEG results, we measured error positivity (Pe), a component reflecting motivation of error detection and emotional state after error responses. Our findings showed a comparable error positivity (Pe) responses regardless of room size. Possible implications are discussed.