Summary:
In two studies, we aimed to investigate intratask components related to the
Stroop task. In Study 1, the performance in each column of the card version of
the task was examined, and compared to the single-item version, in order to
test two conjunctive theories. According to the conflict monitoring hypothesis,
performance improvements should be observed, due to control adjustments. In
contrast, the strength model of self-control suggests that participants get
depleted, as the task progresses, and, consequently, performance impairment
should be noticed. Our results showed a steep increase in color naming time
during the card version of the task, supporting the latter theory, and
contradicting the former. The implications of these findings for Stroop
interference and modeling of it are being discussed. In Study 2, we tested the
predictions of two proposals regarding pause time in rapid naming tasks, that
is, the silent gap between articulations, comparing two single-item versions of
the Stroop task, and examining their relationship to reading and naming. Our
findings support partially the proposal for retrieval reflected in pause times,
and contradict the suggestion for pause time being an inhibition manifestation.
Identification and selection of the correct response, as alternatives for
pause-time interpretation, are being discussed.
Keywords:
Stroop Interference, Cognitive Control, Conflict Monitoring, Ego Depletion, Pause Time
