Is the 'error negativity' specific to errors?

When subjects make an erroneous response in a choice reaction time task, an error negativity, or error-related negativity (N-E/ERN), peaking at about 100 ms after EMG onset, has been described. This wave is often considered t o be absent on correct response trials. We report a small N-E/ERN wave on c orrect response trials during a choice reaction time task in which surface Laplacians were estimated by the source derivation method. This wave is wel l focused at FCz, and its time course is the same for correct responses tri als, incorrect sub-threshold EMG activation trials, and error trials. Curre nt source density maps, also indicate a focus at FCz. A second experiment s howed the existence of a N-E, at FCz on correct trials during a simple RT t ask. Rather than an error detection process per se, we propose that the N-E /ERN reflects either a comparison process leading secondarily to error dete ction, or an emotional reaction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.