Performance Of Multiple Tasks Research Articles

Feedback and task predictability as determinants of performance in multiple cue probability learning tasks

Several studies conducted within the last decade have suggested that outcome feedback is less than optimal feedback in a multiple cue probability learning situation. Some of these studies have neglected one or more of the following: a no feedback control group, analysis of the several different types of feedback, assessment of feedback over time, and the effect of feedback on tasks of different difficulty levels. Two 2(outcome feedback) × 2(cue utilization feedback) × 2(task information) × 3(trial blocks) experiments were conducted. It was found that outcome feedback resulted in significantly less consistency, and task information resulted in significantly better matching. Cue utilization feedback enhanced achievement and matching only in combination with task information and only in high predictability tasks. Further research on feedback should focus on feedback and task difficulty interactions as well as the effects of delay of feedback.

Remarks on attention control

Some recent trends in studies on optimality in the allocation of attention and on determinants of attentional performance are discussed, and brief reports of some new experiments are given. The discussion of allocation includes resistance to distraction and performance in multiple tasks. It is suggested that optimal allocation of attention is often achieved in both types of task. As to the determinants of attentional performance, the role of spatial orientation is discussed and comments are given on the results of experiments on shadowing.