The effect of N-3 on N-2 repetition costs in task switching

Grange, James

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.

Citation

Grange, J. (2014). The effect of N-3 on N-2 repetition costs in task switching. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 760 -767. https://doi.org/10.1037/xlm0000059

• Acceptance Date: Jul 9, 2014
• Publication Date: Sep 8, 2014
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition
• Print ISSN: 0022-1015
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Pages: 760 -767
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/xlm0000059
• Keywords: task switching, backward inhibition, cognitive control, sequential effects
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/405882
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/xlm0000059