Methylphenidate's effects on paired-associate learning and event-related potentials of young adults

Abstract

The effects of methylphenidate (0.3 mg/kg) on young adults' paired-associate learning (PAL) of consonant–vowel–consonant (CVC) pairs and concomitant event-related potentials were assessed. The stimulant elevated mood and heart rate but did not affect PAL performance. For the first CVC, there were amplitude increases with learning for P3b at Pz, P2 at midline sites, and for a negative slow wave at Cz. For the second CVC, P3b and positive slow wave amplitude declined with learning. Increases in P3b amplitude to the first CVC were attributed to increments in stimulus meaningfulness. Decreases in P3b amplitude to the second CVC were interpreted as resulting from fewer disconfirmed expectations of feedback. The negative slow wave following the first CVC was viewed as a contingent negative variation. Methylphenidate increased parietal P3b amplitude for CVC 2, averaged over learning phases.