An opportunity cost model of subjective effort and task performance

Abstract

Why does performing certain tasks cause the aversive experience of mental effort and concomitant deterioration in task performance? One explanation posits a physical resource that is depleted over time. We propose an alternate explanation that centers on mental representations of the costs and benefits associated with task performance. Specifically, certain computational mechanisms, especially those associated with executive function, can be deployed for only a limited number of simultaneous tasks at any given moment. Consequently, the deployment of these computational mechanisms carries an opportunity cost – that is, the next-best use to which these systems might be put. We argue that the phenomenology of effort can be understood as the felt output of these cost/benefit computations. In turn, the subjective experience of effort motivates reduced deployment of these computational mechanisms in the service of the present task. These opportunity cost representations, then, together with other cost/benefit calculations, determine effort expended and, everything else equal, result in performance reductions. In making our case for this position, we review alternate explanations both for the phenomenology of effort associated with these tasks and for performance reductions over time. Likewise, we review the broad range of relevant empirical results from across subdisciplines, especially psychology and neuroscience. We hope that our proposal will help to build links among the diverse fields that have been addressing similar questions from different perspectives, and we emphasize ways in which alternate models might be empirically distinguished.

Risky Gadgets to the Rescue - Reframing In-Car Technology Use as Task Engagement

“…Our findings also upheld the predictions of the opportunity cost model by Kurzban et al (2013) , which projects that, in general, attentional resources are allocated to compelling tasks. Our study suggests that, in the driving context, such compelling tasks include gamified anticipatory or fuel efficient driving.…”

“…These results upheld the predictions of the opportunity cost model by Kurzban et al (2013) , which projects that, in general, attentional resources are allocated to compelling (or valuable) tasks. Our work indicates that this model holds true in the driving context.…”

“…In the beginning of this thesis, I referred to the opportunity cost model of subjective effort and task performance by Kurzban et al (2013) , which projects that, in general, attentional resources are allocated to "valuable," i.e., compelling or interesting, tasks. I furthermore referred to the work by Markey et al (2014) whose experiments demonstrated that engagement in repetitive computer based tasks can be increased through added challenge, performance feedback, and rewards.…”

“…Previous work has identified the positive impact of engagement (e.g., improved task performance, flow) as well as the negative consequences associated with a lack of engagement (e.g., boredom, mental retirement) (Csikszentmihalyi 1997; Wilson et al 2014; Rohwedder & Willis 2010; Markey 2014 . Kurzban et al (2013) put forward a comprehensive theory, which describes that states like flow, boredom, and fatigue promote the efficient use of mental resources. In this theory, called opportunity cost model of subjective effort and task performance , the authors argue that these states result from an evolutionary process.…”

“…Future work should also investigate gamified driving with regards to flow (Csikszentmihalyi 1997) and boredom (Kurzban et al 2013) . To this end, our proposed personas may be useful in recruiting the right study participants.…”