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Updated: Feb 16, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
The wandering self: Tracking distracting self-generated thought in a cognitively demanding context
Stefan Huijser1, Marieke K van Vugt1, Niels A Taatgen1
1University of Groningen, Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Engineering, Netherlands.
Self-referential processing (SRP) increases self-generated thought during complex working memory (CWM) tasks. This mind-wandering interferes with task rehearsal, reducing memory performance, as predicted by a cognitive model.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Self-generated thought can interfere with cognitive tasks.
- Computational models predict task-unrelated thought arises from goal competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if self-referential processing (SRP) instigates self-generated thought in a complex working memory (CWM) task.
- To test if SRP influences goal competition, leading to mind-wandering and reduced performance.
Main Methods:
- A spatial CWM task was used.
- Eye-tracking monitored rehearsal (eye movements) and mind-wandering (pupil size).
- Self-referential processing was manipulated.
Main Results:
- SRP was linked to decreased CWM performance and increased self-generated thought.
- Self-generated thought correlated with reduced rehearsal.
- Mind-wandering showed a smaller pupil size.
Conclusions:
- Self-referential processing can trigger self-generated thought during demanding tasks.
- Goal competition is a plausible mechanism for mind-wandering in CWM tasks.
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