post-error, and post-correct trials). While the study did not involve a direct test of impulsivity, it could be hypothesized that impulsivity would be reflected in a speed/accuracy trade-off in the reaction time task with high levels of impulsivity being associated with faster speed and lower accuracy. We did not find evidence of such a speed/accuracy trade-off in this sample of alcoholics; however, the enhanced processing seemed to have a secondary effect of slowing down responding, thereby enhancing accuracy. Furthermore, we found that CRN amplitudes were smaller in alcoholics with more days abstinent. Given this correlation, we speculate that alcohol dependence contributes to the enhanced performance monitoring activity, and that with sustained sobriety the need for enhanced performance monitoring is diminished.
