The minimum entropy principle and task performance. Nonlinear Dynamics Psychol Life Sci 2013 Jul;17(3):405-23
Date
06/06/2013Pubmed ID
23735494Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84882289385 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 24 CitationsAbstract
According to the minimum entropy principle, efficient cognitive performance is produced with a neurocognitive strategy that involves a minimum of degrees of freedom. Although high performance is often regarded as consistent performance as well, some variability in performance still remains which allows the person to adapt to changing goal conditions or fatigue. The present study investigated the connection between performance, entropy in performance, and four task-switching strategies. Fifty-one undergraduates performed 7 different computer-based cognitive tasks producing sets of 49 responses under instructional conditions requiring task quotas or no quotas. The temporal patterns of performance were analyzed using orbital decomposition to extract pattern types and lengths, which were then compared with regard to Shannon entropy, topological entropy, and overall performance. Task switching strategies from a previous study were available for the same participants as well. Results indicated that both topological entropy and Shannon entropy were negatively correlated with performance. Some task-switching strategies produced lower entropy in performance than others. Stepwise regression showed that the top three predictors of performance were Shannon entropy and arithmetic and spatial abilities. Additional implications for the prediction of work performance with cognitive ability measurements and the applicability of the minimum entropy principle to multidimensional performance criteria and team work are discussed.
Author List
Guastello SJ, Gorin H, Huschen S, Peters NE, Fabisch M, Poston K, Weinberger KAuthor
Stephen Guastello BA,MA,PhD Professor in the Psychology department at Marquette UniversityMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Cognition
Entropy
Executive Function
Female
Goals
Humans
Male
Models, Psychological
Neuropsychological Tests
Psychomotor Performance
Time Factors
Young Adult
