Task alternation in complex settings: Cognitive issues

Complex work settings often involve an array of sub-tasks. Part of the difficulty of performing in such environments is the need to switch between tasks. However, no systematic investigation of the impact of switching on memory performance is available. In this study, performance in serial memory tasks was examined with regard to the effect of task switching. The results from a series of experiments suggest that switching between memory tasks is beneficial, although this effect can be reduced when the to-be-remembered information does not cue the choice of task unambiguously. It is argued that understanding the factors affecting performance in task switching situations would help increasing efficiency and diminish risks of human error in complex work environments