Effects of caffeine on anticipatory control processes: Evidence from a cued task‐switch paradigm

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Abstract
Effects of caffeine on task switching were studied using ERPs in a cued task‐switch paradigm. The need for advance preparation was manipulated by varying the number of task‐set aspects that required switching. In a double‐blind, within‐subjects experiment, caffeine reduced shift costs compared to placebo. ERPs revealed a negative deflection developing within the preparatory interval, which was larger for shift than for repeat trials. Caffeine increased this shift‐induced difference. Furthermore, shift costs increased as a function of the number of task‐set features to be switched, but this pattern was not modulated by caffeine. The results suggest that caffeine improves task‐switching performance by increasing general effects on task switching, related to task‐nonspecific (rather than task‐specific) anticipatory processes. Caffeine's actions may be mediated by dopaminergic changes in the striatum or anterior cingulate cortex.