Task switching and distractibility.

摘要: In this thesis I examined the effects of task switching on people’s ability to ignore irrelevant distractors. Load theory proposes that distractor interference critically depends availability executive control minimise stimuli (e.g. Lavie, 2000). Much work suggests demands in order prepare for and implement a switch between tasks Monsell, 2003; Rubinstein, Meyer, & Evans, 2001). therefore hypothesised demand will result reduced reject distractors selective attention tasks. The research reported provided support hypothesis by showing results greater as measured with “flanker task” Eriksen Eriksen, 1974) attentional capture Theeuwes, 1990), even when there was no overlap responses two tasks, task-repeated trials were presented within same block (in AAABBB designs). This also showed dissociable involved (AAABBB), compared mixing (ABAB versus AAA), these found rejection flanker task, respectively. addition, internal distraction task-unrelated thoughts. contrast external sources further supported involvement switching. Finally, individual differences operational span capacity predicted magnitude costs effects, suggesting both abilities. Overall, highlights new consequence distractibility, supporting predictions derived from prevalent views role attention.