The role of individual differences in executive attentional networks and switching choices in multi-task management

Robert S. Gutzwiller, Christopher D. Wickens, Benjamin A. Clegg

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Individual differences in cognitive processing relate to critical performance differences in real-world environments. Task switching is required for many of them and especially for task management during overload. Research exploring individual differences related to switching behavior (both frequency, and adherence to "optimal" switch times) is, however, sparse. We examined these relationships here, using the attentional network task to index executive control, and an ongoing tracking task (within a larger suite of concurrent task demands) to examine switching behavior. The results failed to support a general relationship between executive control and frequency in a complex, heterogeneous multi-task environment. However, higher executive control participants more successfully exploited "optimal" switching times, highlighting the varying role of individual differences in task management, when choice is unconstrained.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2015 International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2015
PublisherHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society Inc.
Pages632-636
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9780945289470
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event59th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2015 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: Oct 26 2015Oct 30 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume2015-January
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

Conference59th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period10/26/1510/30/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of individual differences in executive attentional networks and switching choices in multi-task management'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this