Showing papers by "David L. Strayer published in 1990"
TL;DR: In this article, the attentional demands of automatic and controlled processing were investigated in a dual task paradigm where subjects performed consistent and varied mapping versions of a Sternberg memory search task, both separately and together with a recognition running-memory task.
Abstract: The attentional demands of automatic and controlled processing were investigated in a dual task paradigm Subjects performed consistent and varied mapping versions of a Sternberg memory search task, both separately and together with a recognition running-memory task In different conditions, subjects were instructed to maximize their performance on either the Sternberg or running memory tasks or to emphasize the tasks equally
140 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that learning occurred in the absence of consistency at lower levels of task description as long as higher level consistencies existed in the task, but the asymptotic level of this learning was modulated by the consistency with which conjunctions of task components were mapped to decisions.
Abstract: Two studies were performed to examine the role of consistency in the development and transfer of automatic processing. Ss performed a rule-based memory search task in which they compared multidimensional probes to 1, 2, or 3 memory set rules. Results indicated that learning occurred in the absence of consistency at lower levels of task description (e.g., mapping of individual task components to responses) as long as higher level consistencies existed in the task (e.g., consistent) mapping of task components to a conceptual framework). However, the asymptotic level of this learning was modulated by the consistency with which conjunctions of task components were mapped to decisions. High positive transfer was obtained despite replacement of the exemplars of the memory set rules, suggesting that learning was not specific to the items encountered during training. On the other hand, the magnitude of positive transfer was reduced when the rules were replaced, suggesting that most of the learning took place at the level of specific rules. Some evidence was also obtained for more general process-based learning. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for models of learning and transfer.
55 citations
TL;DR: Performance in consistently mapped (CM) conditions provided strong support for memory-based theories of automaticity and there was a temporal coupling in the reduction of these two effects with consistent practice.
Abstract: Memory-based theories of automaticity predict that performance in a memory search task which is automatic will not require a representation of the memory set in working memory. The information contained in working memory was manipulated by inserting an interference task between the presentation of a memory set and a probe stimulus in a memory search task. The interference task prevented rehearsal, necessitating the retrieval of the memory set from long-term memory in variably mapped (VM) conditions. Performance in consistently mapped (CM) conditions provided strong support for memory-based theories of automaticity. With CM practice, both the effects of memory load and the effect of the interference task were eliminated. Furthermore, there was a temporal coupling in the reduction of these two effects with consistent practice. Monte Carlo simulations of memory-based automaticity predict such a temporal coupling. Automaticity is viewed as a continuum reflecting the relative contribution of the direct memory access of past solutions from long-term memory on performance. Language: en
39 citations