What differentiates a slip from a lapse error?

The distinction between a slip and a lapse error hinges on the underlying causes of these types of mistakes. A slip occurs when the individual is executing a task but makes an error due to their attention being diverted, leading to an incorrect action even though they know the correct procedure. This type of error typically emerges during the performance of routine tasks where actions are more automatic, but something distracts the individual, resulting in a mistake.

In contrast, a lapse is characterized by a failure in memory. This can occur when an individual forgets a critical piece of information or fails to recall the necessary steps involved in a task. Lapses typically happen when there are gaps in attention and may stem from overload or inadequate retention of information. This highlights the cognitive processes involved in both errors—slips are related to how attention is managed during task execution, while lapses involve the integrity of memory.

The choice that accurately captures this distinction is the one that identifies a slip as occurring during periods when attention is diverted and a lapse as a result of memory failure, clarifying the specific cognitive mechanisms at play in each type of error.