CAPACITY SHARING AND SPEEDED REACTIONS TO SUCCESSIVE SIGNALS.
Abstract
Theoretical explanations of the psychological refractory period phenomenon have focussed on the reaction time (RT) delays obtained in reaction to a second stimulus. However, reactions to the first stimulus are also influenced by the requirement for additional activity. The present studies were intended to define further the mutual interaction of responses to signals which are closely spaced in time. A capacity-sharing model was proposed, which emphasized the importance of preparatory processes. A two-reaction situation was used for the experiments. The results suggested that processing capacity can be allocated between the two reactions, and the preparation can develop for the second reaction prior to emitting the first response. The data also suggested that a higher decrement in performance on the first reaction was accompanied by an increased rate of preparation for the second reaction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0683737
Entities
People
- Thomas James Triggs
Organizations
- University of Michigan