Working memory and the control of action: evidence from task switching

A series of 7 experiments used dual-task methodology to investigate the role of working memory in the operation of a simple action-control plan or program involving regular switching between addition and subtraction. Lists requiring switching were slower than blocked lists and showed 2 concurrent ta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of experimental psychology. General Vol. 130; no. 4; p. 641
Main Authors Baddeley, A, Chincotta, D, Adlam, A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2001
Subjects
Humans
Memory
Psychomotor Performance
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Summary:A series of 7 experiments used dual-task methodology to investigate the role of working memory in the operation of a simple action-control plan or program involving regular switching between addition and subtraction. Lists requiring switching were slower than blocked lists and showed 2 concurrent task effects. Demanding executive tasks impaired performance on both blocked and switched lists, whereas articulatory suppression impaired principally the switched condition. Implications for models of task switching and working memory and for the Vygotskian concept of verbal control of action are discussed.
ISSN:0096-3445
DOI:10.1037/0096-3445.130.4.641