Feedback-related negativity effects vanished with false or monetary loss choice.

Feedback-related negativity (FRN) is sensitive to both monetary loss and evaluation of the correctness of a response. This study used a gambling task that required participants to choose between two cards that were unpredictably associated with monetary gains or losses. Feedback stimuli then indicated gain or loss, and the correctness of the participant's choice. Greater FRN amplitudes for loss versus gain conditions were observed when participants guessed correctly, as well as for incorrect versus correct conditions when they made gain choices. Conversely, FRN effects were absent after either false choices or those that led to losses. Therefore, FRN may reflect an interaction between guess correctness and the utilitarian value of feedback.