The Effect of Task Interruption on Working Memory Performance

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychology

Background:

• Task interruptions degrade work performance, particularly in working memory tasks.
• Existing research often overlooks cognitive processes and the cumulative impact of sequential interruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral and electrophysiological effects of task interruption on performance using electroencephalography (EEG).
• To explore the cumulative effects of sequential interruptions on cognitive tasks.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four participants completed a spatial 2-back task under three conditions: interruption, suspension, and control.
• Measured outcomes included performance data, event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes, EEG power, and subjective workload.

Main Results:

• Work performance declined after interruptions, with cumulative interruptions showing a more detrimental effect.
• EEG analysis indicated increased P2 and P3 amplitudes, theta, and alpha power post-interruption.
• Interruption-induced P3 amplitudes and alpha power were significantly higher than suspension-induced ones.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral data confirm the disruptive and cumulative effects of interruptions on performance and accuracy.
• EEG changes suggest mechanisms of attention reallocation and working memory engagement during interruptions.
• Findings support the memory for goals model and enhance understanding of interruption effects on working memory.