The Effect of the Amount of Single-Task Practice on the Performance of Discrete Task Combinations.
Abstract
This experiment examined the effect of the amount of single-task practice on the performance of two task combinations. Wickens' Multiple Resources Model was used to construct the combinations. According to this model, one of the combinations (the shared resources combination) was composed of two tasks requiring the same information processing resources. The other combination, (the separate resources combination) was composed of two tasks requiring different resources. Three groups of 12 subjects performed each combination. Groups 1, 2, and 3 performed the shared resources combination; Groups 4, 5, and 6 performed the separate resources combination. Pretest data were used to determine the number of trials required to approach data were used to determine the number of trials required to approach asymptotic performance on each of the four tasks used in the two combinations. Groups 3 and 6 received enough trials on their tasks to approach asymptotic performance. Group 2 received half the practice of Group 3 on each task; Group 5 received half the practice of group 6. Groups 1 and 4 received one trial on each task. Analyses of the dual-task data appeared to indicate that the amount of single-task practice had little effect on either combination. However, an examination of the single-task data revealed that Groups 2 and 3 performed similarly on both their tasks. Group 5 and 6 performed similarly on one of their tasks. The single-task practice manipulation was, therefore, unsuccessful since it had little effect on single-task performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 08, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA173405
Entities
People
- Diane L. Damos
Organizations
- Arizona State University