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More efficient shielding for internal than external attention? Evidence from asymmetrical switch costs
Sam Verschooren1, Gilles Pourtois2, Tobias Egner3
1Cognitive and Affective Psychophysiology Laboratory.
Summary
Shielding attention for internal thoughts is more efficient than blocking external distractions. This study explains the asymmetry in attention switching costs, favoring an associative interference account.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Understanding attention switching between external stimuli and internal representations is crucial for cognitive flexibility.
- Previous research identified an asymmetrical switch cost, with larger costs when shifting attention towards internal information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of the observed asymmetry in attention switching costs.
- To differentiate between associative interference, priming, and memory retrieval as explanations for this asymmetry.
Main Methods:
- Replication of the original attention switching paradigm (Experiment 1).
- Testing the necessity of trial-by-trial carryover of attentional settings (Experiment 2).
- Adjudicating between theoretical accounts using experimental data (Experiment 3).
Main Results:
- The asymmetrical switch cost was replicated.
- Trial-by-trial carryover of attentional settings was found not to be a necessary precondition for the asymmetry.
- Results supported the associative interference account over memory retrieval.
Conclusions:
- The asymmetrical switch cost in attention is best explained by associative interference.
- Shielding internal representations from external intrusions is more efficient than vice versa.
- Findings advance the understanding of cognitive flexibility and internal versus external attention dynamics.
