On the locus of the divided-attention effects

Abstract

Reaction times in a choice reaction task were used to localize the livided-attention effect (less proficient performance under dual than under ingle-taks conditions) in a sequential-stage model of human information processing. Experiment 1 eliminated a central (memory-dependent) processing tage, while Experiment 2 suggested that a stimulus sampling process within the hitial encoding stage was the locus of the effect. Thus, the effect was localized in the input, not the central or an output stage of processing. A slower stimulus ampling rate was indicated under dual-than under single-task conditions. © 1972 Psychonomic Society, Inc.