Task Speed and Accuracy Decrease When Multitasking

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Task Speed and Accuracy Decrease When Multitasking
Language: English
Authors: Lin, Lin, Cockerham, Deborah, Chang, Zhengsi
Source: Technology, Knowledge and Learning. Oct 2016 21(3):307-323.
Availability: Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2016
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Accuracy, Knowledge Level, Cognitive Processes, Difficulty Level, Personality Traits, Time Management, Observation, Interviews, Age Groups, Correlation, Adolescents, Young Adults
DOI: 10.1007/s10758-015-9266-4
ISSN: 2211-1662
Abstract: As new technologies increase the opportunities for multitasking, the need to understand human capacities for multitasking continues to grow stronger. Is multitasking helping us to be more efficient? This study investigated the multitasking abilities of 168 participants, ages 6-72, by measuring their task accuracy and completion time when they completed a visual or auditory task alone (single-tasking) as compared to when they attempted the two tasks simultaneously (multitasking). Age, gender, and personality factors were assessed. Observations and post-study interviews provided additional insights into the participants' multitasking strategies. Results showed significantly lower accuracy and longer completion time in participants when they attempted the combined tasks, suggesting that even concurrent tasks that depend upon different modalities may hinder efficiency. In addition, a significant correlation was seen between age groupings, with teenagers (ages 13-19) and young adults (ages 20-40) showing the strongest multitasking abilities.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 44
Entry Date: 2016
Accession Number: EJ1113983
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
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  Data: As new technologies increase the opportunities for multitasking, the need to understand human capacities for multitasking continues to grow stronger. Is multitasking helping us to be more efficient? This study investigated the multitasking abilities of 168 participants, ages 6-72, by measuring their task accuracy and completion time when they completed a visual or auditory task alone (single-tasking) as compared to when they attempted the two tasks simultaneously (multitasking). Age, gender, and personality factors were assessed. Observations and post-study interviews provided additional insights into the participants' multitasking strategies. Results showed significantly lower accuracy and longer completion time in participants when they attempted the combined tasks, suggesting that even concurrent tasks that depend upon different modalities may hinder efficiency. In addition, a significant correlation was seen between age groupings, with teenagers (ages 13-19) and young adults (ages 20-40) showing the strongest multitasking abilities.
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      – SubjectFull: Cognitive Processes
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      – SubjectFull: Adolescents
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      – TitleFull: Task Speed and Accuracy Decrease When Multitasking
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