Druey, M.
University of Zurich
In many studies it has been shown that response repetitions produce benefits in task repetition trials, but costs in task switch trials. So far, three main types of accounts have been proposed to explain this interaction of task and response sequence: First, models referring to reconfiguration mechanisms, second accounts based on the learning of associations and, third, priming and inhibition accounts. In the present study, the last two of these accounts were directly contrasted in one experiment by implementing all possible types of stimulus and response category repetitions. Whereas from both accounts costs are predicted for response category repetitions, they differ with respect to the predictions derived for stimulus category repetitions. These should also produce costs according to the learning accounts, but they should result in benefits according to the priming and inhibition accounts. The results show a clear pattern of benefits in case of stimulus category repetitions, and of costs in case of response category repetitions. The present results thus provide clear evidence for an explanation of the interaction of task and response sequence in terms of priming and inhibition.