Adaptiveness of fluctuations in intra-individual variability of performance is process-dependent in middle childhood

Abstract

There is ongoing debate on the relationship between intra-individual variability (IIV) of cognitive processes and task performance. While psychological research has traditionally assumed that lower intra-individual variability (IIV) aids consistent task performance, some studies suggest that greater IIV can also be adaptive, especially when flexible responding is required. Here we selectively manipulate two cognitive processes with differing task demands, response speed (Going; simple task) and inhibitory control (Stopping; complex task), by means of a training paradigm and assess how this impacts IIV and its relationship to task performance. A group of 208 6-13-year-old children were randomly allocated to an 8-week training targeting Going (control group) or Stopping (experimental group). The stop signal task was administered before and after training. Training Going led to adaptive reductions in Going IIV, which allows more consistent and efficient Going performance. In contrast, training Stopping led to adaptive increases in Stopping IIV, where greater flexibility in cognitive processing is required to meet higher task demands. These findings provide systematic and causal evidence of the process-dependent relationship of IIV and task performance in the context of Going and Stopping, suggesting a more nuanced perspective on IIV with implications for developmental, ageing and intervention studies.

Neurocognitive basis of model-based decision making and its metacontrol in childhood

“…Future research on model-based decision-making and metacontrol in development may wish to adopt experimental manipulations ( i.e., dual-task paradigms), ideally in a longitudinal setting, to draw stronger inferences, particularly about the role of executive functions. In addition, a longitudinal study, as opposed to the current cross-sectional study, would allow inference of how intra-individual variability in performance on executive function and decision-making tasks would allow insight into how these may be related ( Cañigueral et al, 2022 ). In addition, further research into the development of effort avoidance in relation to metacontrol would allow clarification on which processes support the adaptive prioritization and selective application of effort in development.…”