TIME-SHARING REVISITED: TEST OF A COMPONENTIAL MODEL FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Abstract Time-sharing ability as an individual differences variable in dual task performance was examined using a componential model. Five proposed components were assessed: (1) serial processing ability; (2) an internal model of the system dynamics; (3) performing heterogeneous operations; (4) adaptation to rapidly changing dynamic conditions; (5) parallel processing ability. The approach combined methodologies from experimental psychology and from individual differences research. Forty subjects were given four single task pretests, and then performed a compensatory tracking task in various dual task combinations administered during six sessions over a period of three days. At the conclusion of the experiment the subjects had to perform three different dual task transfer tasks. The results of a factor analysis and a series of stepwise multiple-regression analyses revealed two important dimensions of individual differences in dual task performance: (1) individual differences in cognitive style linked to t...

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