Cambio dinámico de la preparación para realizar una tarea cognitivapruebas a favor de una operación de control del procesamiento

Abstract

In this work we explore the role of endogenous control mechanisms in cognitve processing. We review experimental evidence from task-set research. Carrying out a task involves linking a certain input to some output. This input-output linking is referred to as a "task set". Switching from one task set to another leads to a decrease in performance, known as switch cost. There are two main accounts of switch cost. One of them assumes the existence of a central executive responsible for setting up and shifting task sets. According to this model switch cost would reflect the capacity limits of such a mechanism. A rival hypothesis considers switch cost to arise from an automatic proactive interference between competing task sets. There would be a so-called task-set inertia which would keep the previous task set activated even when a new one is called for. We review the different evidence supporting both hypotheses and, finally, propose future research lines which could contribute to clarify the role of both controlled and automatic mechanisms in the study of task set.