Model-based Insights into Individual Differences in Performance

Abstract

Abstract : Our recent work on the modeling human-like multi-task behaviors has led to unexpected insights into a possible mechanism contributing to individual differences in human performance. We begin by outlining our modeled conflict resolution strategy for the graceful sharing of perceptual, cognitive, and motor resources among multiple in-process tasks. We then discuss how that same mechanism might drive individual differences in concurrent task execution. The modeled strategy, in this case operating on subtask structure, may be one contributor to how individual operators differentially decompose and interleave concurrent tasks. We further suggest that the same mechanisms and structures might evolve over time as an operator learns to concurrently engage multiple related tasks. Theory building for multi-task behaviors as explored through model development has opened a new line of inquiry into potential mechanisms for individual differences in performance. Our recent work on the modeling human-like multi-task behaviors has led to unexpected insights into a possible mechanism contributing to individual differences in human performance. We begin by outlining our modeled conflict resolution strategy for the graceful sharing of perceptual, cognitive, and motor resources among multiple in-process tasks. We then discuss how that same mechanism might drive individual differences in concurrent task execution. The modeled strategy, in this case operating on subtask structure, may be one contributor to how individual operators differentially decompose and interleave concurrent tasks. We further suggest that the same mechanisms and structures might evolve over time as an operator learns to concurrently engage multiple related tasks. Theory building for multi-task behaviors as explored through model development has opened a new line of inquiry into potential mechanisms for individual differences in performance.