Lost in Thought

Abstract

Two experiments tested if cognitive load interferes with perspective-taking in verbal communication even if feedback from the addressee is available. Participants gave instructions on the assembly of a machine model. In Experiment 1 (N=40), cognitive load was demonstrated to be a function of the complexity of assembly steps. In Experiment 2 (N=96), position of feedback (during simple versus during complex steps) and type of feedback (question versus ambiguous interjection) were manipulated. With simple steps, speakers' responses were a function of feedback type. Speakers responded differently to questions than to interjections. With complex steps, however, responses were a function of cognitive load. Regardless of the type of feedback, most speakers simply repeated their previous utterances. (Journal - ZPID) LA - English TS - PSYNDEXplus Literature and Audiovisual Media (OVID)