University of Twente Student Theses

Login

Task Switching in the Simon Task

Hardt, Julius (2024) Task Switching in the Simon Task.

[img] PDF
700kB
Abstract:The present study aimed to investigate how manipulating the requirements of a Simon task, guided by the predictions of the Affordance Competition Hypothesis (ACH), affects the performance of participants. Specifically examined the interplay between natural affordances, as demonstrated by the Simon effect, and acquired affordances represented by newly acquired stimulus-response links. By incorporating a task-switching paradigm, the study attempted to understand how these acquired affordances compete and influence participant performance. Participants took part in pure and mixed block phases, where they responded to stimuli based on either their shape or their line orientation. Results showed that natural affordances led to faster reaction times in spatially congruent trials as compared to spatially incongruent trials consistent with the Simon effect. Task-switching introduced significant residual switch costs, reflecting the cognitive effort required to inhibit residual activation of previous affordances while activating new ones. Incompatible responses of affordances further increased cognitive load, highlighting the complexity of resolving competing affordances. These findings underscore the ACH’s ability to explain the complex dynamics of action selection, demonstrating how natural and acquired affordances compete and influence performance. Overall, the ACH serves as a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate balance and cognitive effort involved in resolving competing affordances.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100654
Export this item as:BibTeX
EndNote
HTML Citation
Reference Manager

 

Repository Staff Only: item control page