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MENTAL MODEL · M4446

Psychological Refractory Period

Psychological Refractory Period
Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Psychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When two stimuli are presented in rapid succession, the response time to the second stimulus is significantly prolonged because the first response occupies cognitive resources. This is direct evidence of an information processing bottleneck.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

It quantifies the physiological limit of "one cannot truly multitask." In multitasking environments (such as talking on the phone while driving, or replying to emails during a meeting), we must deliberately design buffer times or task-switching mechanisms to avoid sluggish responses or accidents caused by the refractory period.

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When two stimuli are presented in rapid succession, the response to the second stimulus is significantly delayed because the first response occupies cognitive resources, providing direct evidence of an information processing bottleneck and quantifying the physiological basis of "one cannot truly multitask."

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_refractory_periodZH · Explicit
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