The Stroop effect involves an excitatory–inhibitory fronto-cerebellar loop

Moe Okayasu, Tensei Inukai, Daiki Tanaka, Kaho Tsumura, Reiko Shintaki, Masaki Takeda, Kiyoshi Nakahara and Koji Jimura ()
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Moe Okayasu: Keio University
Tensei Inukai: Keio University
Daiki Tanaka: Keio University
Kaho Tsumura: Keio University
Reiko Shintaki: Keio University
Masaki Takeda: Kochi University of Technology
Kiyoshi Nakahara: Kochi University of Technology
Koji Jimura: Keio University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract The Stroop effect is a classical, well-known behavioral phenomenon in humans that refers to robust interference between language and color information. It remains unclear, however, when the interference occurs and how it is resolved in the brain. Here we show that the Stroop effect occurs during perception of color–word stimuli and involves a cross-hemispheric, excitatory–inhibitory loop functionally connecting the lateral prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. Participants performed a Stroop task and a non-verbal control task (which we term the Swimmy task), and made a response vocally or manually. The Stroop effect involved the lateral prefrontal cortex in the left hemisphere and the cerebellum in the right hemisphere, independently of the response type; such lateralization was absent during the Swimmy task, however. Moreover, the prefrontal cortex amplified cerebellar activity, whereas the cerebellum suppressed prefrontal activity. This fronto–cerebellar loop may implement language and cognitive systems that enable goal-directed behavior during perceptual conflicts.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35397-w

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