Cognitive processes in the Extrinsic Affective Simon Task: a task-set switching account of EAST effects.
Recently, De Houwer (2003) introduced the Extrinsic Affective Simon Task (EAST) as a new procedure for the indirect assessment of attitudes. In the present paper, we propose an explanation of EAST effects based on a task-set switching account. Specifically, we argue that EAST effects result from difficulties in efficiently switching between two different task sets. Results from two experiments support the assumptions of the task-set switching account: While there were strong EAST effects in task-shift trials, no robust effects were found in task-repetition trials. In Experiment 2, the robustness of this task-shift effect on the EAST was demonstrated: Visual similarity between concept and attribute stimuli did not qualify the task-shift effects. Implications for the interpretation of EAST effects are discussed.
Voss
Andreas
A
Albert-Ludwig-Universität Freiburg, Germany. voss@psychologie.uni-freiburg.de
Klauer
Karl Christoph
KC
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001288:Attention; D003118:Color Perception; D003210:Concept Formation; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003463:Cues; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D012193:Reversal Learning; D012660:Semantics