Spontaneous default mode network phase-locking moderates performance perceptions under stereotype threat.
This study assessed whether individual differences in self-oriented neural processing were associated with performance perceptions of minority students under stereotype threat. Resting electroencephalographic activity recorded in white and minority participants was used to predict later estimates of task errors and self-doubt on a presumed measure of intelligence. We assessed spontaneous phase-locking between dipole sources in left lateral parietal cortex (LPC), precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (P/PCC), and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC); three regions of the default mode network (DMN) that are integral for self-oriented processing. Results revealed that minorities with greater LPC-P/PCC phase-locking in the theta band reported more accurate error estimations. All individuals experienced less self-doubt to the extent they exhibited greater LPC-MPFC phase-locking in the alpha band but this effect was driven by minorities. Minorities also reported more self-doubt to the extent they overestimated errors. Findings reveal novel neural moderators of stereotype threat effects on subjective experience. Spontaneous synchronization between DMN regions may play a role in anticipatory coping mechanisms that buffer individuals from stereotype threat.
['Forbes|Chad E|CE|', 'Leitner|Jordan B|JB|', 'Duran-Jordan|Kelly|K|', 'Magerman|Adam B|AB|', 'Schmader|Toni|T|', 'Allen|John J B|JJ|']
D001741:African Americans D000513:Alpha Rhythm D004569:Electroencephalography D005260:Female D006179:Gyrus Cinguli D006630:Hispanic or Latino D006801:Humans D007360:Intelligence D007858:Learning D008297:Male D008913:Minority Groups D009415:Nerve Net D010296:Parietal Lobe D017397:Prefrontal Cortex D011287:Prejudice D011597:Psychomotor Performance D012649:Self Concept D013240:Stereotyping D013826:Theta Rhythm D044465:Whites
Stereotype threat Default-mode network performance monitoring social neuroscience spontaneous phase locking