title: A motivationally-based simulation of performance degradation under pressure.
abstract: The CLARION cognitive architecture has been shown to be capable of simulating and explaining a wide range of psychological tasks and data. Currently, two theories exist to explain the psychological phenomenon of performance degradation under pressure: the distraction theory and the explicit-monitoring theory. However, neither provides a detailed mechanistic explanation of the exact processes involved. We propose such a detailed theory within the CLARION cognitive architecture that takes into account motivation and the interaction between explicit and implicit processes. We then use our theory to provide a plausible explanation of some existing data. The data are simulated using the theory within the CLARION cognitive architecture.
authors.affiliation: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Cognitive Sciences, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Mathews
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D009042:Motivation; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013315:Stress, Psychological