One of these things is not like the others: Theta, beta, & ERP dynamics of mismatch detection

Abstract

Working memory (WM) enables the detection of mistakes by permitting one to notice when sensory input is mismatched to their internal prediction. Prior studies support the role of frontal midline theta activity, with an overlapping N200 event-related potential (ERP), as a mechanism for comparing incoming sensory stimuli to the internal model. Additionally, posterior low-beta activity has been proposed as a mechanism for processing incoming sensory stimuli in WM. However, it is unknown whether frontal midline theta activity and the N200 support mismatch detection, or whether posterior low-beta activity extends from sensory processing to detecting a mismatch between sensory input and the internal model. Here, we reveal that frontal midline theta supports mismatch detection and explains individual WM performance. Unexpectedly, instead of the N200, results show a positive slow wave ERP overlapping with the frontal midline theta mismatch response. Results additionally indicate a late posterior low-beta response persisting from stimulus presentation into the post-stimulus delay. Our findings establish frontal midline theta as a marker of successful mismatch detection, challenge the domain-general role of the N200 in error detection, and support theories linking posterior low-beta to processing incoming sensory stimuli.