Effects of a dynamically changing response set overlap on n − 2 repetition costs

Scheil, Juliane; Kleinsorge, Thomas · 2023 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01816-w

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Summary

This study investigates how dynamically changing response set overlap influences n-2 repetition costs, a phenomenon used to measure inhibitory processes during task switching. While previous research established that overlapping tasks increase interference and inhibition, it often confounded response set overlap with stimulus set overlap. The authors aimed to isolate the effect of response set overlap by keeping stimulus sets constant across three tasks while associating each task with two distinct response sets. The relevant response set for each trial was indicated by the color of the task cue, allowing for trial-by-trial manipulation of response set transitions. The experiment involved 32 participants who performed three perceptual decision tasks (judging size, line type, or shape) using two different sets of response keys. The design ensured that tasks never repeated in consecutive trials, isolating n-2 repetition effects. Stimuli were either congruent (affording the same relative response position across tasks) or incongruent. Performance was measured using linear integrated speed-accuracy scores (LISAS). The analysis focused on sequences where the current task matched the task from two trials prior (ABA sequences) versus those where it did not (CBA sequences), while tracking whether the response set repeated or switched between trials n-2 and n-1. The results demonstrated that n-2 repetition costs were significantly present when the response set overlapped from trial n-2 to n-1, but were abolished when the response set switched between these trials. This effect was modulated by stimulus congruency; significant n-2 costs occurred primarily with incongruent stimuli when the response set repeated. Conversely, when the response set switched, no n-2 costs were observed regardless of congruency. Supplemental analyses ruled out alternative explanations such as episodic retrieval of stimulus features or response repetition effects, confirming that the data pattern was driven by stimulus congruency and response set transitions. The findings suggest that inhibition during task switching is flexible and targeted. When response sets overlap, stronger interference necessitates higher levels of inhibition, leading to substantial n-2 repetition costs. When response sets switch, the previously relevant response information does not interfere with the current task, reducing the need for inhibition and eliminating n-2 costs. Furthermore, the interaction with congruency supports the complementary roles of task inhibition and task shielding. The study concludes that the cognitive system dynamically adjusts these interference-reduction mechanisms based on environmental demands, selectively inhibiting specific parts of a task set rather than the entire set when possible.

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• task switching