Interference between Visuospatial Dual Tasks and the Effects of Training

Abstract

The mechanisms involved in reducing interference in visuospatial dual tasks were investigated. Three computerized visuospatial tasks, bargraphs, dot clusters, and occlusions (Boles, 1991, 1992, 1996) comprised the dual tasks. To compare the roles of automaticity and encapsulation, one group practiced dual tasks drawing upon separate processes while another practiced dual tasks drawing upon the same process. The results suggest automaticity plays a larger role in reducing interference than encapsulation. They also support the existence of resource training, in which practicing a mental resource in one task shows transfer to another task using the same resource.