Multiple Resource Loading and Auditory Preemption during a Continuous Signal Detection Task

Performance is typically reduced for dual-versus single-tasks, and potential interference between tasks can often be predicted by resource theories such as Multiple Resource Theory (MRT). MRT suggests that performance of two tasks drawing from the same set of cognitive resources is reduced in comparison to performance of two drawing on separate resource pools (e.g., visual-visual compared to visual-auditory). One drawback of MRT is the effect of auditory preemption on an ongoing visual task: whereas MRT expects no interference between auditory and visual tasks, auditory preemption theory posits a cost of attentional switching which may reduce performance. We investigated the effect of auditory preemption by administering an ongoing visual detection task and an interrupting auditory processing task. Results support the theory of auditory preemption as shown by a decline of response criterion ( C), but not perceptual sensitivity ( d’). MRT is also partially supported by an increase in perceived workload.