Medial frontal theta dissociates unsuccessful from successful avoidance and is modulated by lack of perseverance

Medial frontal activity in the EEG is enhanced following negative feedback and varies in relation to dimensions of impulsivity. In 22 undergraduate students (Mage = 18.92 years, range 18–22 years), we employed a probabilistic negative reinforcement learning paradigm in which choices to avoid were followed by cues indicating successful or unsuccessful avoidance of an impending aversive noise. Our results showed that medial frontal theta power was...