Effects of complexity and similarity of an interruption task on resilience toward interruptions in a procedural task with sequential constraints.

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to examine effects of complexity and similarity of an interruption task on postinterruption performance in an 8-step procedural task with sequential constraints. In Experiment 1, the primary task was interrupted between different steps with 1 of 4 versions of n-back task, which differed in complexity (simple, complex) and similarity in processing codes (verbal, spatial) to the primary task. After the interruption, participants (N = 44) had to resume the primary task as quickly as possible with the next correct step, that is, the 1 following the step after which the interruption occurred. Postinterruption performance in terms of resumption times, sequence errors and nonsequence errors was assessed. Results of Experiment 1 revealed longer resumption times and more sequence errors after complex interruptions compared to the simple ones. However, effects of processing-code similarity were less clear. For assessing the effects of similarity in processing codes again in Experiment 2, participants (N = 41) performed the same primary task and were interrupted with a verbal or a spatial classification task. The results revealed no significant effect of processing code on the postinterruption performance. Moreover, a posthoc analysis revealed that 1-back (sequential) interruption led to longer resumption times compared to the classification (nonsequential) interruption. Overall, our results revealed strong and consistent detrimental effects of interruption complexity on the postinterruption performance and no effect of similarity in processing codes. Finally, we provide preliminary evidence that similarity in sequential structure between the tasks can influence the resilience toward interruptions. Public Significance StatementThis study pinpoints important aspects of an interruption task, which influence postinterruption performance. The study confirmed that increasing interruption complexity has strong detrimental effects on the postinterruption performance, while similarity in terms of processing codes between the tasks does not seem to play a role. These findings strongly suggest involvement of general memory processes in resilience toward interruptions, rather than domain-specific systems proposed by some of the previous research. We provide preliminary evidence that the similarity in terms of sequential structure between the 2 tasks has an impact on postinterruption resumption times. Finally, our study is the first to provide empirical evidence for involvement of memory for serial order in execution of procedural tasks and in interruption management.

Examining the cognitive processes underlying resumption costs in task-interruption contexts: Decay or inhibition of suspended task goals?

“…In line with previous studies which used procedural tasks as primary task (e.g., UNRAVEL task by Altmann et al, 2014 ; see also Radović & Manzey, 2022 ), we found that task interruptions prolong the processing time of the subtask performed immediately after the interruption, reflecting resumption costs (for reviews, see, e.g., Couffe & Michael, 2017 ; Hirsch et al, 2022 ). This indicates that the resumption of the primary task relies on time-consuming cognitive processes like proposed in the SAS model, the prospective memory view, and the memory for goals model.…”

Multitasking during Medication Management in a Nursing Home: A Time Motion Study

“…However, less common multitasking pairs were also observed, such as managing non-resident related work while preparing medications or transferring residents while documenting in the MAR. Cognitive experimental research shows that dissimilar stimuli increase response time and errors 40. Therefore, as a basis for development of clinical solutions, further study is needed to identify which multitasking pairs are interruptive within medication management workflows.…”