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Chapter
Processing resources and attention
DOI link for Processing resources and attention
Processing resources and attention book
Processing resources and attention
DOI link for Processing resources and attention
Processing resources and attention book
ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the resource concept in single-task performance. The resource concept is founded on the underlying assumption that the human operator has a limited capacity for processing resources that may be allocated to task performance. Two tasks demand more resources than one; therefore, timesharing can lead to a situation in which one or both have fewer resources than required, and hence, performance on one or both may deteriorate. The foundation for the resources concept in dual-task performance may be found in the early theoretical work of Broadbent (1958) and Kahneman (1973). The concept of resources in dual-task performance is most applicable and important in understanding and describing the effect of task difficulty. Different tasks are characterized by the dichotomy between stage-defined and code-defined resources. The enhancement of dual-task performance seems to result from circumstances in which a common mental set, processing routine, or timing mechanism can be activated in service of the two tasks.