Switching attention between tasks: Exploration of the components of executive control and their development with training

Top down processes guided by attention and intention, have been recognized to be important determinants, and necessary complements in the formulation and guidance of skilled performance. The present paper summarizes the results of four experiments conducted to investigate the control operations and the cost involved in switching attention between task dimensions and attention strategies. Subjects were asked to switch between judging the value of digits, or the number of digit elements, in rows of digits presented on the screen. Alternatively they performed the task, switching between speed or accuracy emphasis. The experimental results provide strong evidence for the work of executive processes which operate as attention strategies and policy regulators. They are executed top down, in the service of intentions and basic attention policies, but depend on the existence of task representations, including the “so called” automatic performance units. Executive processes are shown to have sizable operation costs, over and beyond those imposed by the direct processing and response demands of the performed tasks. These costs are reduced with specific training focusing on the improvement of control functions.