A dynamical framework to understand performance trade-offs and interference in dual tasks.

Abstract

This study demonstrated that the dynamic pattern approach may reconcile resource and outcome conflict theories to explain performance in dual tasks. Participants performed a bimanual coordination task and a reaction time task with different conditions of attentional priority. Results showed a trade-off between pattern variability and reaction time when priority was given to the coordination task. Such a trade-off was indicative of resource allocation. An analysis of perturbation in the bimanual coordination revealed interference, a reputed sign of outcome conflict. Moreover, interference diminished substantially when priority was given to the bimanual task. The coexistence of performance trade-off and outcome conflict suggests that these two phenomena are not mutually exclusive. Rather, both may follow from modifying the coupling between the limbs through attention.