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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
10:38

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

Published on: July 16, 2015

Trial-level sequence modeling reveals hidden dynamics of dual-task interference.

Rick den Otter1, Anna Dame1, Sjoerd Stuit1

  • 1Helmholtz Institute, Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Plos Computational Biology
|May 20, 2026
PubMed
Summary

This study reveals that multitasking involves consistent cognitive operations (Encoding, Central, Response) regardless of task timing. Individual strategies and their timing significantly impact reaction time and accuracy in dual-task performance.

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Last Updated: May 22, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Dual-task interference theories posit universal cognitive operations for multitasking, irrespective of stimulus timing.
  • Previous research faced limitations in testing this assumption due to behavioral averaging methods.
  • Understanding the neural dynamics of multitasking is crucial for cognitive science and HCI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neural dynamics of multitasking using advanced analytical techniques.
  • To test the assumption of shared cognitive operations across different stimulus timings in dual-tasking.
  • To explore trial-by-trial variability in cognitive operation sequences and its impact on performance.

Main Methods:

  • Combined hidden multivariate pattern (HMP) analysis with deep spatiotemporal sequence modeling of single-trial EEG data.
  • Utilized the psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm to study dual-task interference.
  • Trained a deep spatiotemporal sequence model on long stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) trials and applied it to short SOA conditions.

Main Results:

  • Identified distinct cognitive operations (Encoding, Central, Response) that are shared across both long and short SOA conditions.
  • Revealed multiple, distinct sequences of cognitive operations at the trial level during interference, varying within and across individuals.
  • Demonstrated that these trial-level sequences predict behavioral outcomes, including reaction time and accuracy.

Conclusions:

  • The findings support the universality of core cognitive operations in multitasking, challenging static bottleneck theories.
  • Trial-level sequence modeling provides a powerful method to uncover the dynamic and variable neural processes underlying multitasking.
  • Individual differences in cognitive strategies and their timing significantly influence dual-task performance.