Abstract
BackgroundExecutive control processes such as task switching and error processing have been shown to change with age. The present study explored from a developmental perspective whether shared or different mechanisms underlie these processes.MethodsThe sample included 180 children (30 in each of the six age groups from 6-11 years) who were required to perform two different tasks: identification of a digit, or counting the number of digits. We computed switch costs as a function of response-repetition, stimulus-response (S-R) compatibility, and post-error-slowing. We also analyzed reaction time distributions.Results and discussionThe results showed a switch cost in the response-repetition condition, with a reduction in switch cost between 7 to 8 and 9 to 10 years of age, and an S-R compatibility effect in 6 to 9 years old children. Reaction time (RT) distributions showed that the decrement in the switch cost is due to the overall decrease in RTs in fast (5th percentile) trials in 9 to 11 year olds, and slow (95th percentile) trials in 7 to 8 and 9 to 11 years old children, in both the task switch and non-switch trials. A major reduction in RT was found between 9 to 11 years in both the response type and S-R compatibility type conditions. RT distributions for post-error trials revealed that the large decrement seen in 7 to 8 and 9 to 10 years old children is primarily due to the sudden decrease in RTs in the fast and slow trials respectively. The developmental pattern of error processing was similar to one component of task switching (switch cost of the response-repetition condition), indicating that inhibition could be a common mechanism underlying both the processes. However, the failure to maintain task set was found only with task switching.ConclusionThe development of task switching and error processing is not gradual. The developmental pattern of error processing is similar to that of the switch cost of the response-repetition condition in task switching, indicating that inhibition could be a common mechanism underlying both processes. The present results have implications for theories of executive control.
Highlights
Executive control processes such as task switching and error processing have been shown to change with age
We explored from a developmental perspective the possibility of shared mechanisms underlying task switching and error processing
Task switching Reaction time Analysis was performed with RTs for all the conditions for all the participants across age
Summary
Executive control processes such as task switching and error processing have been shown to change with age. Previous research has shown age-related changes occur in executive control processes that are critical for perception and action. A small number of studies have examined the developmental trajectory of executive control processes [3,4,5,6]. We focus on the development of two such control processes: task switching and error processing. Task switching is a control process that enables flexible switching between task rules and responses. A mixture of fast and slow responses is found on trials that demand a task switch but provide ample time for advance preparation. The slow responses are slow on trials that demand a task switch, but provide no time for advance preparation. Possible explanations include the roles of active preparation or passive interference [3]
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