Dispersion of response times reveals cognitive dynamics

Psychol Rev. 2009 Apr;116(2):318-42. doi: 10.1037/a0014849.

Abstract

Trial-to-trial variation in word-pronunciation times exhibits 1/f scaling. One explanation is that human performances are consequent on multiplicative interactions among interdependent processes-interaction dominant dynamics. This article describes simulated distributions of pronunciation times in a further test for multiplicative interactions and interdependence. Individual participant distributions of approximately 1,100 word-pronunciation times were successfully mimicked for each participant in combinations of lognormal and power-law behavior. Successful hazard function simulations generalized these results to establish interaction dominant dynamics, in contrast with component dominant dynamics, as a likely mechanism for cognitive activity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • California
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Fractals
  • Humans
  • Nonlinear Dynamics*
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Reaction Time*
  • Statistical Distributions*