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Inhibition of action rules
1Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403, USA. mayr@oregon.uoregon.edu
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|May 25, 2002
Summary
Set-alternation costs, potentially indicating executive inhibition, were investigated. Even with complete task repetitions, costs persisted, supporting inhibition over automatic retrieval.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Executive Functions
Background:
- Inhibition is a proposed executive-control process, but empirical evidence is challenging.
- Previous research noted set-alternation costs, suggesting potential inhibition of disengaged task sets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test the inhibition account of set-alternation costs.
- To contrast inhibition with an alternative account based on automatic episodic retrieval.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel task-switching paradigm with trial-by-trial action rule variation.
- Maintained a constant relevant stimulus dimension to facilitate complete n-2 repetitions.
- Analyzed reaction times in relation to task-set repetition history.
Main Results:
- Set-alternation costs were observed even in conditions with complete n-2 repetitions.
- These costs occurred for both task sets and all stimulus-response aspects.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the inhibition account of set-alternation costs.
- Results challenge the automatic episodic retrieval account, particularly in specific repetition conditions.