16. Detecting loss of control under cognitive load

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to study individual differences in how distraction influences people’s sense of control over moving objects. In a computer task, participants used a joystick to track a red dot over a moving target while simultaneously performing a working memory task that manipulated their levels of distraction. During the tracking task, participants’ objective control over the red dot varied; they had either 25% (low), 50% (medium), or 75% (high) control over the red dot. In the working memory portion of the task, participants were presented with three, five, or seven items and required to remember the items while performing the tracking task. The researchers hypothesize that participants will show less difference in judgments of control on low control trials (25%) compared to high control trials (75%) when required to recall a longer series of items. Because judgments of control depend on working memory resources, participants should be less sensitive to control when they must require a longer list of numbers.