This study aimed to expand on previous research regarding the stability-flexibility dilemma and the adjustment of neural gain. Specifically, it was investigated if people lower their neural gain in...Show moreThis study aimed to expand on previous research regarding the stability-flexibility dilemma and the adjustment of neural gain. Specifically, it was investigated if people lower their neural gain in response to a short CSI. Previous research showed that people can adjust their neural gain based on the demand for flexibility. Specifically, lower neural gain would facilitate flexibility, but at the cost of stability. In addition, the relation between ADHD and neural gain was studied. Participants were asked to take part in a task-switching experiment in which they had to classify digits either based on parity or magnitude. Herein, the CSI duration was manipulated. Afterwards, a computational model estimated the neural gain values per condition. Participants were also asked to fill out an ADHD questionnaire. The final number of participants was 60 aged between 18 and 30. The results showed that the participants had higher switch costs and higher incongruency costs when the time to prepare was short. In addition, it was found that the participants lowered their neural gain in response to a short preparation time. Contradictory to our expectations, no relation was found between ADHD and neural gain adjustment. Together, the behavioral results and the neural gain analysis show that while lowering gain facilitates switching and thus flexibility, it also reduces focus and thus stability. For future research, it is suggested to replicate the study in a controlled environment and specifically regarding ADHD to either use a clinical sample or additional assessment tools, such as eye-tracking.Show less
