Does Initial Performance Variability Predict Dual-Task Optimization with Practice in Younger and Older Adults?

Background/Study Context:The variability associated with reaction time (RT) is sometimes considered as a proxy for inefficient neural processing, particularly in old age and complex situations relying upon executive control functions. Here, it is examined whether the amount of variability exhibited...

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Publicado en:Experimental Aging Research Vol. 41; no. 1; pp. 57 - 89
Autores principales: Strobach, Tilo, Gerstorf, Denis, Maquestiaux, François, Schubert, Torsten
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Jan/Feb2015
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Jan/Feb2015
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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        atl: Does Initial Performance Variability Predict Dual-Task Optimization with Practice in Younger and Older Adults?
      aug:
        au:
          Strobach, Tilo
          Gerstorf, Denis
          Maquestiaux, François
          Schubert, Torsten
        affil: Department of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
      sug:
        subj:
          Task Performance and Analysis
          Patient Assessment
          Aging
          Human
          Serial Publications
          Middle Age
          Scales
          Germany
          Technology
          Acoustic Stimulation
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
      ab: Background/Study Context:The variability associated with reaction time (RT) is sometimes considered as a proxy for inefficient neural processing, particularly in old age and complex situations relying upon executive control functions. Here, it is examined whether the amount of variability exhibited early in practice can predict the amount of improvement with later practice in dual-task performance, and whether the predictive power of variability varies between younger and older adults. Methods:To investigate the relationship between variability and practice-related improvement, RT mean and variability data are used, obtained from an experiment in which younger and older adults performed two tasks in single-task and dual-task conditions across seven practice sessions. These RT and variability data were related to the single-task and dual-task practice benefits. These benefits were computed as follows: dual-task/single-task RTs at the beginning of practice minus dual-task/single-task RTs at the end of practice. Results:In both age groups, dual-task processing was speeded up with practice and variability associated with the means was reduced. Most important, independent of mean RTs, variability allowed predicting dual-task practice benefit in both age groups under specific conditions. Conclusion:These findings suggest that the relationship between performance variability and executive control functions under some specific conditions. Implications of these results for models of practiced dual tasks are discussed.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
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      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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