The influence of verbal and spatial working memory load on the time course of the Simon effect.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0038715
• Publication Date: 2015-01-26T19:37:00Z
• Authors: Andrew Clouter; Ryan Wilson; Stefan Allen; Raymond M. Klein; Gail A. Eskes
• Keywords: Stroop effect; Simon effect; Attentional control

The Simon effect refers to the relatively poorer response times and accuracy when responding targets that appear in a task-irrelevant spatial location is incongruent with of correct key, compared spatially congruent locations. Like Stroop flanker effects, thought result from conflict between an irrelevant tendency intended response. Because attentional control has been linked resolution, task proffered as possible tool for measuring efficacy executive mechanisms. These mechanisms are also involved working memory (WM) processes, be responsible maintaining information presence continued processing or distraction. present study investigated interface WM attention by examining time course over distributions under varying load conditions. Participants completed verbal 0-back, 2-back, 2-back tasks. Results show diminished high tasks low-load tasks, interacts domain such persists across distribution times. In contrast, peaks decays results demonstrate domain. suggest more modifiable than expected, support complex control.