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Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
Published on: August 1, 2018
Selection and consolidation of objects and actions
Bernhard Hommel1, Christian F Doeller
1Department of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands. hommel@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Psychological Research
|December 15, 2004
Summary
Dual-task performance costs arise from stimulus consolidation, not just response selection limitations. Reversing task order reveals interference, supporting the consolidation bottleneck theory in cognitive psychology.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Factors
- Experimental Psychology
Background:
- Response selection bottleneck models suggest dual-task costs stem from a single response channel.
- Previous research showed no interference between manual reaction time and visual target reporting tasks.
- Conflicting findings suggested interference due to stimulus consolidation demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of stimulus consolidation in dual-task interference.
- To test the response selection bottleneck theory against a consolidation account.
- To examine how task order and cueing affect dual-task performance.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed a speeded manual choice reaction time task and an unspeeded visual target report task.
- Task order was manipulated (RT-Report vs. Report-RT).
- Target location cueing and number of target features were varied.
Main Results:
- Reversing task order to prioritize stimulus consolidation led to significant performance costs.
- Costs persisted even with advance cueing of target location.
- Costs were independent of the number of target features to be reported.
Conclusions:
- Findings challenge the response selection bottleneck model.
- Evidence supports a consolidation bottleneck account for dual-task costs.
- Stimulus consolidation into working memory is a critical factor in dual-task performance limitations.
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