Action-based and vision-based selection of input: two sources of control

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Human Information Processing

Background:

• Established input selection mechanisms include space- and object-based selection, which are constrained by input structure.
• A distinct response-based input selection mechanism, not constrained by input structure, is proposed.
• The Stroop effect is hypothesized to be driven by response-based selection, contrasting with the flanker effect's space- and object-based mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distinct conflict resolution processes underlying the Stroop and flanker tasks.
• To differentiate between response-based and space/object-based input selection mechanisms.
• To explore the additive or underadditive nature of task interference within a Psychological Refractory Period (PRP) paradigm.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on input selection mechanisms.
• Experimental manipulation of Stroop and flanker tasks within a Psychological Refractory Period (PRP) paradigm.
• Analysis of additive vs. underadditive effects to infer differences in conflict resolution.

Main Results:

• The Stroop effect and PRP effects were found to be additive.
• The flanker effect and PRP effects were found to be underadditive.
• These additive and underadditive patterns suggest distinct conflict resolution processes for the Stroop and flanker tasks.

Conclusions:

• The Stroop and flanker tasks employ different conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Response-based input selection underlies the Stroop effect, while space/object-based selection underlies the flanker effect.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the implementation of response-based selection in information processing models.