The Effectiveness of Training in Task Switching: New Insights and Open Issues From a Life-Span View

Abstract

The authors of this chapter describe changes in task-switching abilities over the life span. In particular, task maintenance and selection processes decline in older age. The authors summarize conditions under which the flexibility and plasticity of these processes can be improved such as external and internal prompts to behavior and intensive practice. The effectiveness of task-switching training interventions is evaluated by highlighting conditions under which transfer effects to other cognitive abilities are more likely to occur such as training variability. The author also discuss the usefulness of strategy-based interventions, the impact of inter-individual differences in baseline performance, and the specific role of motivation on the success of training in task switching.