Development of behavioral control: Analysis of performance and motor-related brain potentials

This dissertation provides a behavioral and electrophysiological analysis of response activation and inhibition to uncover age-related changes in action control. The results indicate suboptimal action control in children and elderly that might cause failure to prevent inappropriate behavior in everyday life situations, especially under increased environmental demands. Over the course of development, people change their focus towards the behavior that appears to be for themselves of the most relevance. Young children are more passively involved when action is required and when they do act, they do it relatively uncontrolled. Young adolescents tend to have an enhanced focus on action and therefore are more prevalent to acting before they give a thought about the consequences. Whereas the elderly act in an overcautious manner by decelerating their reaction to prevent inappropriate behaviors. However, this may not always be the proper course of action, as life sometimes requires us to react rapidly to make sure the appropriate behavior is carried out. So think before you jump, however, do jump quickly!