Definition
The ability to shift attention between tasks, mental sets, or goals, typically accompanied by measurable switch costs due to reconfiguration demands.
Levels of Analysis
Neural: dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, frontoparietal control network
Cognitive: rule reconfiguration, inhibition of previous task set, activation of new task set
Behavioral: switch costs, slowed responses, increased errors immediately after switching
Inputs
task cues
changing goals or rules
environmental demands
cognitive control signals
Outputs
reconfigured task set
temporary performance decline (switch cost)
restored efficiency after adjustment
Related Processes
Cognitive Control
Inhibition
Working Memory Updating
Executive Attention
Related Models
Task-Set Reconfiguration Model
Task-Set Inertia Model
Executive Control Models
Related Biases / Failures
Perseveration
Task-Set Inertia
Reduced flexibility under fatigue or stress
Example
A person switches from writing an email to answering a phone call and then back to the email, experiencing a brief delay as they reorient to the original task.
Visual Schema
Task A → Switch Cue → Reconfiguration → Task B (with Switch Cost)