Task Switching Cost Calculator
Observed task switch minus same-repeat RT cost; signed result retained, actual matching units and definitions independently established.
Description
Task-switching cost describes the difference between qualified switch-trial and repeat-trial response times.
Task-switching cost describes the difference between qualified switch-trial and repeat-trial response times.1
This tool subtracts those supplied values and retains a negative difference when observed.
When to use Task Switching Cost Calculator
This tool subtracts those supplied values and retains a negative difference when observed.
How to use Task Switching Cost Calculator and how it works
- Prepare qualified switch trial rt ms, qualified repeat trial rt ms, using the input definitions and matching units below.
- Enter the required fields and run Task Switching Cost Calculator.
- Read result.value using the units, signs and ordering explained below.
- Correct any rejected inputs and rerun; interpret the result within the stated model and its assumptions.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| actualQualifiedSwitchTrialRtMs | Actual Qualified Switch Trial Rt Ms. Use the units and matching context stated in the calculation below. | number | Required; nonnegative; finite; other constraints below |
| actualQualifiedRepeatTrialRtMs | Actual Qualified Repeat Trial Rt Ms. Use the units and matching context stated in the calculation below. | number | Required; nonnegative; finite; other constraints below |
Require nonnegative qualified switch and repeat reaction times in ms. Subtract repeat from switch and return signed ms without clamping. Matched trials, summary convention and eligibility must be established separately.
switchingCostMs=switchRtMs-repeatRtMs Apply the input ordering, units and branch conditions stated above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| result | Object containing the calculated or selected fields below. | object |
| result.value | Milliseconds under the stated reaction-time mean or signed-difference convention. | number |
{
"input": {
"actualQualifiedSwitchTrialRtMs": 5,
"actualQualifiedRepeatTrialRtMs": 3
},
"output": {
"result": {
"value": 2
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The calculation uses the supplied observations and model inputs. It does not collect measurements, select a reference population or coefficient, or establish that the model applies to the actual case. The stated branch conditions and output units remain part of the result.
All fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, wrong types, nonfinite numbers and sparse arrays are rejected. Alignment, bounds and supported-token rules are explained above; extremely large inputs or nonfinite results can also fail. Input errors differ from successful false comparisons, unavailable-domain flags and empty match lists.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Simon Effect Magnitude Calculator for a complementary operation: The Simon effect can be summarized as incongruent minus congruent reaction time under matched task conditions.
Use Inhibition of Return Magnitude Calculator for a complementary operation: Inhibition of return can be summarized as cued-return minus uncued reaction time under a matched protocol.
References
-
Task Switching Cost Calculator — tool.io
Similar or alternative tools
- Simon Effect Magnitude Calculator
The Simon effect can be summarized as incongruent minus congruent reaction time under matched task conditions.
- Inhibition of Return Magnitude Calculator
Inhibition of return can be summarized as cued-return minus uncued reaction time under a matched protocol.