Affiliations: Department of Psychology, University of Zurich,
Zurich, Switzerland
Note: [] Corresponding author: Jacqueline Zöllig, University of
Zurich, Department of Psychology, Binzmühlestrasse 14/24, CH-8050 Zurich,
Switzerland. Tel.: +41 (0)44 635 74 29; Fax: +41 (0)44 635 74 19; E-mail:
j.zoellig@psychologie.uzh.ch
Abstract: Purpose. The present paper integrates two important aspects when
studying compensation: (1) the knowledge about specific compensational
mechanisms and (2) the consideration of lifelong changes in these mechanisms
(i.e., plasticity of compensation). Hence, the paper addresses the questions
(a) which neural networks are supporting successful cognitive performance
across development, (b) what are the associated compensational mechanisms and
(c) are these compensational mechanisms plastic across the lifespan. Methods.
To answer these questions, we suggest to integrate behavioural and neuroimaging
methods and present specific methods and their advantages and disadvantages.
Results. We will illustrate the relevance of this integration by presenting
data using ERPs and (s)LORETA to study compensational processes across the
lifespan in a higher order cognitive function, i.e., delayed intentional
behaviour. A higher activation in old adults or adolescents in successful
trials compared to young adults is considered compensatory as specialized
cortical regions are selectively recruited in response to task demands.
Conclusions. Findings show that whereas the performance outcome might be the
same across age groups, underlying processes and activations might be
fundamentally different. We conclude with a discussion about specific
implications of this integrative approach when studying the adaptive potentials
and limits of human cognition.
