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Direct Real-Time Neural Evidence for Task-Set Inertia

Evans, Lisa H.; Herron, Jane E.; Wilding, Edward L.

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Authors

Lisa H. Evans

Jane E. Herron

Edward L. Wilding



Abstract

One influential explanation for the costs incurred when switching between tasks is that they reflect interference arising from completing the previous task—known as task set inertia. We report a novel approach for assessing task-set inertia in a memory experiment using event related potentials (ERPs). After a study phase participants completed a test block in which they switched between a memory task (retrieving information from the study phase) and a perceptual task. These tasks alternated every two trials. An ERP index of the retrieval of study information was evident in the memory task. It was also present on the first trial of the perceptual task but was markedly attenuated on the second. Moreover, this task-irrelevant ERP activity was positively correlated with a behavioral cost associated with switching between tasks. This real-time measure of neural activity thus provides direct evidence of task-set inertia, its duration, and the functional role it plays in switch costs.

Citation

Evans, L. H., Herron, J. E., & Wilding, E. L. (2015). Direct Real-Time Neural Evidence for Task-Set Inertia. Psychological Science, 26(3), 284-290. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614561799

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 7, 2014
Online Publication Date Jan 27, 2015
Publication Date Mar 1, 2015
Deposit Date Jun 15, 2016
Publicly Available Date Jun 15, 2016
Journal Psychological Science
Print ISSN 0956-7976
Electronic ISSN 1467-9280
Publisher Association for Psychological Science
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 26
Issue 3
Pages 284-290
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614561799
Keywords task switching, episodic memory, task-set inertia, ERPs, recollection
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/984556
Publisher URL https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797614561799
Contract Date Jun 15, 2016

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