Neural correlates of the implicit association test: evidence for semantic and emotional processing.

ABSTRACT: The implicit association test (IAT) has been widely used in social cognitive research over the past decade. Controversies have arisen over what cognitive processes are being tapped into using this task. While most models use behavioral (RT) results to support their claims, little research has examined neurocognitive correlates of these behavioral measures. The present study measured event-related brain potentials (ERPs) of participants while completing a gay-straight IAT in order to further understand the processes involved in a typical group bias IAT. Results indicated significantly smaller N400 amplitudes and significantly larger LPP amplitudes for compatible trials than for incompatible trials, suggesting that both the semantic and emotional congruence of stimuli paired together in an I

SUBMITTER: Williams JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3150856 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature