Browsing by Subject "kaksoistehtäväparadigma"

Dividing attention between two tasks can be challenging due to interference between the concurrent tasks. This dual-task interference is proposed to stem from working memory load, and thus dual-task paradigm is a widely used framework in working memory research. The present thesis aimed to investigate the suitability of figural fluency task as part of a dual-task. It was hypothesized that performance would decline when figural fluency task was performed together with another task. In addition, the convergent validity of figural and action (verb) fluency and prospective time estimation were examined through their connections with other cognitive measures. It was hypothesized that the tasks would correlate moderately with these measures. The sample consisted of 29 Finnish-speaking university students who volunteered to complete a series of cognitive tasks including two dual-tasks: figural fluency with action fluency and with time estimation, separately. In addition, tasks measuring verbal fluency, processing speed, verbal working memory, attention and the fluency of executive functions were administered. As was hypothesized, dual-task interference could be observed in both dual-tasks and in each dual-task subtask. Dual-task decrement in figural fluency was largest when performed together with action fluency. In addition, dual-task decrement was found to be more pronounced in figural fluency than in action fluency when performed together. Action fluency was the only test directly associated with measures of verbal fluency, verbal working memory and processing speed. According to the results, figural fluency as a dual-task subtask can be seen as a useful method in demonstrating dual-task interference and working memory load.