Age-related differences in dual-task search: understanding the role of component task learning in skilled performance

Concurrent tasks;Older adults;Learning mechanisms;Performance;Age-related cognitive differences;Cognition;Component tasks;Retention

Batsakes, Peter J. ; Psychology

University:Georgia Institute of Technology

Department:Psychology

关键词: Concurrent tasks;    Older adults;    Learning mechanisms;    Performance;    Age-related cognitive differences;    Cognition;    Component tasks;    Retention;   

Others  :  https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/1853/7081/1/batsakes_peter_j_200008_phd.pdf

美国|英语

来源: SMARTech Repository

【 摘 要 】

It is widely held among cognitive aging researchers that older adults are at a disadvantage with respect to the division of attention between two or more concurrent tasks. Some researchers have attributed dual-task performance decrements to reduced processing speed with age while others have attributed declines in dual-task performance to the reduced efficiency of task coordination and control processes. Few researchers, however, have considered the possibility that age-related differences in dual-task performance may be related to underlying differences in the learning mechanisms supporting component task performance. Three studies were conducted which differed in the type of single-task training provided to young and old adult participants: Consistently mapped (CM), variably mapped (VM) and attenuated priority (AP) training. Skilled dual-task performance was then assessed as a function of both component task learning and age through a) the examination of initial and end-level skilled dual-task performance, b) transfer of learning to novel task combination and c) retention capability. It was predicted that type of component task training would moderate age-related differences in skilled dual-task performance. The results were confirmatory, however, were not completely consistent with initial predictions.