A framework for explaining serial processing and sequence execution strategies

Behavioral research produced many task-specific cognitive models that do not say much about the underlying information processing architecture. Such an architecture is badly needed to understand better how cognitive neuroscience can benefit from existing cognitive models. This problem is especially pertinent in the domain of sequential behavior where behavioral research suggests a diversity of cognitive processes, processing modes and representations. Inspired by decades of reaction time (RT) research with the Additive Factors Method, the Psychological Refractory Period paradigm, and the Discrete Sequence Production task, we propose the Cognitive framework for Sequential Motor Behavior (C-SMB). We argue that C-SMB accounts for cognitive models developed for a range of sequential motor tasks (like those proposed by Keele et al., 2003; Rosenbaum et al., 1983, 1986, 1995; Schmidt, 1975; Sternberg et al., 1978, 1988). C-SMB postulates that sequence execution is controlled by a central processor using central-symbolic representations, and a motor processor using sequence-specific motor representations. On the basis of this framework we present a classification of the strategies to produce movement sequences. We complete this presentation by proposing the neural underpinnings of this framework.