title: The effect of N-3 on N-2 repetition costs in task switching.
abstract: N-2 task repetition cost is a response time and error cost returning to a task recently performed after one intervening trial (i.e., an ABA task sequence) compared with returning to a task not recently performed (i.e., a CBA task sequence). This cost is considered a robust measure of inhibitory control during task switching. The present article reports a novel sequential effect of n-2 task repetitions when trial n-3 is taken into consideration. In particular, performance is better in trials preceded by an n-2 repetition than in trials preceded by an n-2 switch. That is, performance is better in BABA sequences (where trial n-1 was an n-2 repetition) than in CABA sequences (where trial n-1 was an n-2 switch). Likewise, performance is better in BCBA (where trial n-1 was an n-2 repetition) than in ACBA or DCBA sequences (where trial n-1 was an n-2 switch). Evidence for this new n-3 effect is provided by a mini meta-analysis of a set of published data, as well as 2 new experiments applying a different paradigm. We suggest that this new effect reflects trial-by-trial modulation of cognitive control: Task conflict is higher in n-2 repetitions than in n-2 switches; therefore, cognitive control is increased in trials following n-2 repetitions, leading to improved performance. This facilitating effect of previous task conflict is discussed with respect to current theories on cognitive control.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, RWTH Aachen University.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schuch
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Keele University.
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Grange
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D056344:Executive Function; D000066499:Facial Recognition; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D055815:Young Adult