Investigating the cognitive architecture of verbal fluency: evidence from an interference design on 487 controls

IntroductionNumerous studies have explored the linguistic and executive processes underlying verbal fluency using association designs, which provide limited evidence. To assess the validity of our model, we aimed to refine the cognitive architecture of verbal fluency using an interference design.MethodsA total of 487 healthy participants performed letter and semantic fluency tests under the single condition and dual conditions while concurrently performing a secondary task that interferes with speed, semantics, phonology, or flexibility. We examined the effect of such interference on fluency indices including correct responses, clustering, switching, and time course.Results(1) All secondary tasks decreased fluency (p