Slowing Down Responses Improves Sustained Attention in Go/NoGo Task: Evidence for a Causal Mechanism

Sustaining attention is critical for goal-directed behavior, yet individuals frequently experience lapses that compromise performance. Previous studies have suggested that reaction time (RT) slowing in sustained attention tasks may serve a protective role against lapses, while others interpret this same slowing as a marker of attentional disengagement. To address this contradiction, we tested whether slowing down causally reduces attentional errors using real-time behavioral feedback in go/no-go tasks. In Experiment 1 (N = 30), participants performed a Continuous Performance Task (CPT) consisting of three blocks: baseline, control, and feedback. In the feedback block, participants were instructed to slow down their responses whenever the fixation cross changed color, signaling in real time that their previous responses were too fast. Trial-level analyses revealed that slowing down after feedback significantly reduced the likelihood of attentional errors on subsequent trials, although no significant effects were found at the block level. Given substantial inter-individual variability, Experiment 2 (N = 60) added a cognitive battery alongside the CPT to explore potential correlates. Results showed a reduction in lapses in the feedback condition at the block-level, but no reliable associations were found between feedback benefits and individual differences in cognitive control, working memory, or long-term memory. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that RT slowing have a protective effect against sustained attention lapses in go/no-go tasks. Future research is needed to better characterize which individuals benefit most from this strategic slowing.