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Serial modules in parallel: the psychological refractory period and perfect time-sharing.
1Department of Psychology, Rice University, MS-25, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005-1892, USA. byrne@acm.org
Psychological Review
|November 9, 2001
Summary
This study introduces ACT-R/perceptual-motor (ACT-R/PM), a cognitive theory modeling perception and action. Findings show cognitive processing for dual tasks need not overlap, challenging previous models.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Existing models like EPIC explain dual-task interference.
- ACT-R/PM integrates cognition, perception, and action.
- The psychological refractory period (PRP) is a key phenomenon in dual-tasking.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce ACT-R/perceptual-motor (ACT-R/PM) as an integrated cognitive theory.
- Model dual-task performance, specifically the PRP.
- Compare ACT-R/PM's serial production firing with EPIC's parallel firing.
Main Methods:
- Developed ACT-R/PM, combining ACT-R with perceptual-motor modules.
- Modeled simple dual tasks, including PRP.
- Conducted three PRP-like experiments with demanding cognitive tasks.
Main Results:
- ACT-R/PM successfully models the PRP and subtle dual-task effects.
- Experimental results indicate cognitive processing for dual tasks does not require overlap.
- ACT-R's activation-based retrieval explains task timing and performance decrements.
Conclusions:
- ACT-R/PM provides a unified framework for cognition, perception, and action.
- The serial nature of productions in ACT-R/PM is key to its explanatory power.
- Dual-task performance decrements can be explained by activation-based retrieval processes.