ERIC Number: EJ1113060
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Sep
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0278-7393
EISSN: N/A
Individual Differences in Working-Memory Capacity and Task Resumption Following Interruptions
Foroughi, Cyrus K.; Werner, Nicole E.; McKendrick, Ryan; Cades, David M.; Boehm-Davis, Deborah A.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, v42 n9 p1480-1488 Sep 2016
Previous research has shown that there is a time cost (i.e., a resumption lag) associated with resuming a task following an interruption and that the longer the duration of the interruption, the greater the time cost (i.e., resumption lag increases as interruption duration increases). The memory-for-goals model (Altmann & Trafton, 2002) suggests that this greater time cost is a result of increased interference caused by longer duration interruptions. Therefore, the goal for this research was to determine whether individuals who can better manage interference, i.e., individuals with higher working-memory capacity (WMC), can resume tasks more quickly following interruptions than those who cannot manage interference as well (i.e., individuals with lower WMC). A procedural interruption task with 3 different interruption durations and a measure of WMC were completed by 229 students. In line with previous research, we found a strong positive relationship between interruption duration and resumption lag. We found a strong negative effect of WMC on resumption lag (i.e., increases in WMC reduced resumption lags). Notably, WMC moderated the effect of interruption duration on resumption lag (i.e., increases in WMC attenuated the positive relationship between interruption duration and resumption lag). Specifically, individuals with high WMC experienced small increases in resumption lag as interruption duration increased, whereas individuals with low WMC experienced substantial increases in resumption lag as interruption duration increased. Our data suggest that individuals with higher WMC are less susceptible to interference caused by interruptions.
Descriptors: Individual Differences, Short Term Memory, Task Analysis, Attention Control, Correlation, Models, Cognitive Ability, Statistical Analysis, Computer Assisted Instruction, College Students
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: US Air Force (DOD)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: FA95501010385