Conducting the train of thought: working memory capacity, goal neglect, and mind wandering in an executive-control task

J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. 2009 Jan;35(1):196-204. doi: 10.1037/a0014104.

Abstract

On the basis of the executive-attention theory of working memory capacity (WMC; e.g., M. J. Kane, A. R. A. Conway, D. Z. Hambrick, & R. W. Engle, 2007), the authors tested the relations among WMC, mind wandering, and goal neglect in a sustained attention to response task (SART; a go/no-go task). In 3 SART versions, making conceptual versus perceptual processing demands, subjects periodically indicated their thought content when probed following rare no-go targets. SART processing demands did not affect mind-wandering rates, but mind-wandering rates varied with WMC and predicted goal-neglect errors in the task; furthermore, mind-wandering rates partially mediated the WMC-SART relation, indicating that WMC-related differences in goal neglect were due, in part, to variation in the control of conscious thought.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Discrimination Learning / physiology
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Goals*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Teaching
  • Thinking / physiology*
  • Young Adult