Temporal Dynamics of Flexible Cognitive Control

Abstract

In dynamic environments, flexible cognitive control adaptively adjusts processing through proactive mechanisms deployed in advance and reactive mechanisms engaged upon conflict. Previous studies have primarily focused on identifying neural networks supporting specific control components, while less is known about how multiple components interact over time to support adaptive control. To characterize these temporal dynamics, we combined EEG recordings with a face-word Stroop paradigm under changing conflict environment. A hierarchical Bayesian model was used to estimate trial-wise learning rate, predicted conflict level, and prediction error, providing computational indices of cognitive control flexibility. Neural correlation analysis revealed that these variables correlated with Theta, Alpha, and Beta oscillations in distinct brain regions. Connectivity analysis among these regions indicated enhanced cross-frequency directional interactions triggered by stimuli. Furthermore, connections reflecting updates to predicted conflict level prior to stimulus onset indexed individual strength in proactive control, while connections reflecting learning rate updates after stimulus onset indexed reactive control. These findings highlight how oscillatory dynamics coordinate multiple control components and provide new insight into how proactive and reactive control emerge as distinct modes within this interconnected neural architecture of flexible cognitive control.