The neural correlates of problem states: testing FMRI predictions of a computational model of multitasking.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It has been shown that people can only maintain one problem state, or intermediate mental representation, at a time. When more than one problem state is required, for example in multitasking, performance decreases considerably. This effect has been explained in terms of a problem state bottleneck.

Methodology

In the current study we use the complimentary methodologies of computational cognitive modeling and neuroimaging to investigate the neural correlates of this problem state bottleneck. In particular, an existing computational cognitive model was used to generate a priori fMRI predictions for a multitasking experiment in which the problem state bottleneck plays a major role. Hemodynamic responses were predicted for five brain regions, corresponding to five cogn

SUBMITTER: Borst JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2944888 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature