Enhanced Stroop conflict resolution efficiency associated with interpreting training : evidence from ERPs

Abstract

Interpreting necessitates continuous resistance to source language interference in target language output, which parallels the cognitive demands in the Stroop task where participants must overcome automatic word reading to name ink colors. This parallel suggests that Stroop tasks may provide unique insights into the neurocognitive effects of interpreter training on interference control. Given that most behavioral studies examining interpreting effects using Stroop tasks have yielded null results, the more sensitive event-related potential (ERP) technique was employed in the present study. A group of interpreting trainees and their matched bilingual controls completed a color-word Stroop task while ERPs were recorded to assess conflict-specific processing (incongruent vs. congruent contrast) and processing efficiency (averaging across congruent and incongruent trials). We analyzed early attentional processing (N1), conflict monitoring (N2, N450), and conflict resolution components (P3, conflict SP), alongside error rates and response times (RTs). Compared with bilingual controls, interpreting trainees demonstrated enhanced conflict resolution efficiency (more positive overall P3 and conflict SP amplitude) despite reduced early attentional processing (less negative overall N1 amplitude). However, no interpreter advantage emerged in conflict monitoring (comparable N2 and N450 amplitude) or behavioral performance (comparable error rates/RTs). These findings suggest that interpreting training is associated with enhanced processing efficiency in managing Stroop interferences, most probably through target enhancement rather than active inhibition. This processing efficiency advantage converges with previous Flanker ERP findings despite with different temporal patterns, suggesting a distinctive characteristic of interpreter advantage. Future research should validate whether this efficiency advantage generalizes across various interference control paradigms.