Limitations in dual-task performance

Abstract

In this thesis, the effect of information-processing overload on working-memory dependent information processing was examined using dual-task paradigms. The experiments described strengthen the importance of a functional explanation for dual-task limitations. First, it showed evidence for a unified coding medium (as put forward in the theory of event coding; Hommel, Müsseler, Aschersleben, & Prinz, 2001) in which features, operations and responses are available and can influence each other. Additionally, it was shown that the response to the first of two stimuli is facilitated in case the processes are compatible. Furthermore, it showed that the psychological refractory period and the attentional blink share limitations with respect to a common resource that originates in working memory operation span and that the use of individual differences can aid in examining the relation between the psychological refractory period and the attentional blink. Additionally, it showed that it is plausible that visual-spatial attention, mental rotation and response selection share limitations with respect to a common resource. Finally, research in this thesis showed that processes that can facilitate a response can be simultaneously implemented but not simultaneously executed.