Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
10:38
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
When the central executive lets us down: schemas, attention, and load in a generative working memory task
P J Barnard1, S K Scott, J May
1MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK. philip.barnard@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk
Memory (Hove, England)
|October 12, 2001
Summary
Many participants struggle with following instructions for generating number sequences, often focusing on content over constraints. This highlights challenges in central executive functioning and attention control.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Factors
Background:
- Central executive functioning is crucial for complex cognitive tasks.
- Understanding attentional control and working memory load is key to cognitive assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of schema, focus of attention, and cognitive load on central executive functioning.
- To analyze how sequence length and question framing affect compliance with instructions.
Main Methods:
- Participants generated number sequences within specified bounds and lengths.
- Varied sequence length and question phrasing to manipulate cognitive load and attention.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of participants failed to adhere to length and boundary constraints.
- Compliance decreased as sequence length increased, with over half failing for six-number sequences.
- Participants frequently generated sequences with common, generic properties, indicating a focus on content.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive load and attentional focus significantly impact the ability to follow complex instructions.
- Participants often prioritize sequence content over adherence to explicit constraints, suggesting a need for improved executive control strategies.
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