INTRODUCTION The congruency sequence effect (CSE) is the observation that the congruency effect is reduced following an incongruent trial (Gratton et al., 1992). Generally, the CSE is interpreted in terms of conflict adaptation, the idea that participants decrease attention to the distracter and/or increase attention to the target after experiencing conflict (e.g., Botvinick et al., 2001). An a...

The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) is in a pivotal position between the basal ganglia and brainstem: it is able to influence and regulate all levels of basal ganglia and corticostriatal activity as well as being a key component of brainstem reticular and motor control circuitry. Consistent with its anatomical position, the PPTg has previously been shown to process rapid, salient sens...

Murphy’s Law is commonly expressed that ‘if anything can go wrong it will’ and is believed to have been founded between 1940 and 1950. This law has been associated with many problems and failures. Murphy’s Law can at times be seen as a threat of impending dangers and disasters since disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. Disasters can include workplace violence, fires, arson, and flooding, ...

In three experiments, each of a set colour-unrelated distracting words was presented most often in a particular target print colour (e.g., "month" most often in red). In Experiment 1, half of the participants were told the word-colour contingencies in advance (instructed) and half were not (control). The instructed group showed a larger learning effect. This instruction effect was fully explain...