Dynamics of inhibitory control processes in a Simon-switch task: A mouse tracking study

The processes and mechanisms underlying inhibitory control have been explored for decades. The current study investigated the inhibitory control processes in response to complex conflict types within trials. A novel task combined a spatial Simon manipulation with a colour-shape task switching paradigm, using a “mouse tracking” technique which captured dynamic responses. Simon compatibility and task-rule congruency effects clearly emerged in performance and exerted an additive influence on movement trajectories. A time course analysis showed a very early and fast-acting Simon effect, but a task congruency effect which emerged later. No interaction was observed between Simon compatibility and task-rule congruency. The results suggest that cognitive control can be flexibly and independently evoked by different conflict types within a short time period, but that very different mental processes underlie Simon and congruency effects. Our findings are in agreement with the view that different conflict types are managed by distinct cognitive control mechanisms.