A computational theory of executive cognitive processes and multiple-task performance: Part 1. Basic mechanisms.
A new theoretical framework, executive-process interactive control (EPIC), is introduced for characterizing human performance of concurrent perceptual-motor and cognitive tasks. On the basis of EPIC, computational models may be formulated to simulate multiple-task performance under a variety of circumstances. These models account well for reaction-time data from representative situations such as the psychological refractory-period procedure. EPIC's goodness of fit supports several key conclusions: (a) At a cognitive level, people can apply distinct sets of production rules simultaneously for executing the procedures of multiple tasks; (b) people's capacity to process information at "peripheral" perceptual-motor levels is limited; (c) to cope with such limits and to satisfy task priorities, flexible scheduling strategies are used; and (d) these strategies are mediated by executive cognitive processes that coordinate concurrent tasks adaptively.
Meyer
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Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1109, USA. demeyer@umich.edu
Kieras
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D001288:Attention; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008606:Mental Processes; D011340:Problem Solving; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D012033:Refractory Period, Psychological