Switching tasks produces an immediate performance cost and also reduces later memory for switch compared to repeat items. Here we investigate whether the opportunity to prepare for task switching would modulate this memory effect. Preparation was operationalized by long vs. short inter trial intervals and by using either a predicable AABB task sequence or a cued task switching procedure. We expected that a predictable task switch will reduce cognitive conflict if enough preparation time is given. Thus, this study contributes to revealing the gradual nature of top-down control on subsequent memory performance.
