Can the task-cuing paradigm measure an endogenous task-set reconfiguration process?
In 6 task-cuing experiments, with 2 cues per task, the authors varied cue-stimulus interval to investigate G. D. Logan and C. Bundesen's (2003) claim that when cue repetition is controlled for, task-switch cost and its reduction with preparation are largely eliminated and hence cannot index an endogenous control process. Experiment 1 replicates their result, but Experiments 2 and 3, with similar designs, demonstrate a substantial task-switch cost, reducing with increasing cue-stimulus interval. Experiments 4 to 6 show that the critical difference is the probability of a task change: If it is kept low enough to discourage reconfiguration of task set unless and until the cue signals a task change, robust evidence for anticipatory task-set reconfiguration is obtained, even in Experiment 6, modeled closely on Logan and Bundesen's.
Monsell
Stephen
S
School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom. s.monsell@ex.ac.uk
Mizon
Guy A
GA
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001307:Auditory Perception; D003463:Cues; D006801:Humans; D008037:Linguistics; D008606:Mental Processes; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011930:Reaction Time; D012718:Set, Psychology; D014796:Visual Perception