persistence
Definition
Persistence refers to the maintenance of goal-directed cognitive control and task performance in the face of competing demands or distractions. Within the framework of metacontrol at the task-set level, persistence relates closely to cognitive stability—the capacity to shield goals from interference or distraction by maintaining strong task-set representations. However, persistence must be distinguished from inflexibility; while a strongly shielded task-set produces stability and persistence in pursuing a current goal, this same shielding can impair the ability to flexibly transition to new goals when circumstances change. The dual-dimension framework reconceptualizes the relationship between persistence (stability) and flexibility as independent dimensions rather than opposing ends of a single spectrum, allowing for scenarios where individuals maintain persistent goal pursuit while simultaneously remaining cognitively flexible.
Sources: Nack & Yu-Chin (2023)
Related Terms
Applications
Persistence and Cognitive Flexibility
Persistence through cognitive stability and strong task-set shielding has been reconceptualized within the dual-dimension framework as varying independently from cognitive flexibility, rather than in obligatory tradeoff. This framework enables individuals to maintain persistent goal pursuit while remaining able to fluidly transition between tasks.
Sources: Nack & Yu-Chin (2023)
Persistence and Task-set Shielding
Persistence at the task-set level is directly operationalized through the strength of task-set shielding, whereby stronger shielding produces greater stability and persistence against goal-irrelevant distractions and interference.
Sources: Nack & Yu-Chin (2023)
