Does switching between strategies within the same task involve a cost

Bibliographic Data

ID5267112
AuthorsKoen Luwel (0000-0002-4517-8617, KU Leuven, corresponding author), Viki Schillemans (KU Leuven), Patrick Onghena (0000-0002-3986-8312, KU Leuven), Lieven Verschaffel (0000-0002-5283-6470, KU Leuven)
Year2009
Volume100
Issue4
Pages753-771
Publication date2009-11-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-1269 • E-ISSN: 2044-8295
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1348/000712609x402801
PMID19239730
OpenAlexW2101624498
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited44

In two experiments, participants had to switch regularly between two cognitive strategies of a different complexity in the context of a numerosity judgement task. Expt 1 comprised bivalent stimuli (i.e. allowing the application of the two strategies), whereas Expt 2 involved univalent stimuli (i.e. allowing the application of only one strategy). Both experiments revealed that switching between strategies entailed a cognitive cost that was reflected in longer response times on switch compared to non-switch trials but not in reduced accuracy. The size of this switch cost did not differ as a function of strategy complexity but tended to diminish as a strategy became more appropriate for solving a particular problem. We discuss the extent to which current theories of task switching can account for these findings

Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Function (biology) · Judgement · Numerosity adaptation effect · Task (project management) · Task switching · Behavioral and Psychological Studies · Cognitive Abilities and Testing · Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills · Neuroscience · Psychology

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