An Investigation of Varying Amounts of Component- Task Practice on Dual-Task Performance

Abstract

The effects of different amounts of single- and dual-task practice were evaluated on the fourth, final training trial and with two transfer trials-a dual-task setting with the same tracking task that was used during practice and a dual-task setting with two different component tasks. Results showed that single-task practice contributed little to subsequent dual-task performance, but that the amount of dual-task practice was a major determinant of subsequent dual-task performance. In addition, the amount of dual-task practice resulted in positive transfer to the dual-task setting with the same tracking task in a linear fashion. A post hoc analysis revealed that the effects of practice on the transfer tasks were partially dependent upon the subject ability levels.