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Juggling on a high wire: Multitasking effects on performance

Authors:

Rachel F. Adler,

Raquel Benbunan-FichAuthors Info & Claims

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Volume 70, Issue 2

Pages 156 - 168

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2011.10.003

Published: 01 February 2012 Publication History

Abstract

In this study, we develop a theoretical model that predicts an inverted-U relationship between multitasking and performance. The model is tested with a controlled experiment using a custom-developed application. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control condition, where they had to perform tasks in sequence, or an experimental condition, where they could discretionarily switch tasks by clicking on tabs. Our results show an inverted-U pattern for performance efficiency (productivity) and a decreasing line for performance effectiveness (accuracy). The results of this study indicate that the nature of the relation between multitasking and performance depends upon the metric used. If performance is measured with productivity, different multitasking levels are associated with an inverted-U curve where medium multitaskers perform significantly better than both high and low multitaskers. However, if performance is measured with accuracy of results, the relation is a downward slopping line, in which increased levels of multitasking lead to a significant loss in accuracy. Metaphorically speaking, juggling multiple tasks is much more difficult while balancing on a high wire, where performance mishaps can have serious consequences.

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Son SChoi JLee SSong JShin I(2023)It is Okay to be Distracted: How Real-time Transcriptions Facilitate Online Meeting with DistractionProceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3544548.3580742(1-19)Online publication date: 19-Apr-2023
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Published In

cover image International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies Volume 70, Issue 2

February, 2012

73 pages

ISSN:1071-5819

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Copyright © Elsevier Ltd © 2011.

Publisher

Academic Press, Inc.

United States

Publication History

Published: 01 February 2012

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Cited By

Zhuo SBiddle RKoh YLottridge DRussello G(2023)SoK: Human-centered Phishing SusceptibilityACM Transactions on Privacy and Security10.1145/357579726:3(1-27)Online publication date: 14-Apr-2023
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3575797
Son SChoi JLee SSong JShin I(2023)It is Okay to be Distracted: How Real-time Transcriptions Facilitate Online Meeting with DistractionProceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3544548.3580742(1-19)Online publication date: 19-Apr-2023
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Gerlach JCenfetelli R(2022)Overcoming the Single-IS Paradigm in Individual-Level IS ResearchInformation Systems Research10.1287/isre.2021.106533:2(476-488)Online publication date: 1-Jun-2022
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1287/isre.2021.1065
Ji MZhang YZhang YCheng TJiang Y(2022)Single-machine multitasking scheduling with job efficiency promotionJournal of Combinatorial Optimization10.1007/s10878-021-00822-144:1(446-479)Online publication date: 1-Aug-2022
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s10878-021-00822-1
Chang RCoursaris CLéger PSénécal S(2022)The Effect of Multitasking During an E-learning Video Conference on Learning Performance: A Psychophysiological ExperimentLearning and Collaboration Technologies. Designing the Learner and Teacher Experience10.1007/978-3-031-05657-4_14(197-208)Online publication date: 26-Jun-2022
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Karunaratne IAtukorale A(2021)Towards a Computerized Approach to Identify Attentional States of Online LearnersHCI International 2021 - Late Breaking Papers: Cognition, Inclusion, Learning, and Culture10.1007/978-3-030-90328-2_28(426-438)Online publication date: 24-Jul-2021
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Yang CHu DZhang YWang TYu Y(2020)An Empirical Study of Multi-discussing Pattern in Open-Source Software DevelopmentProceedings of the 12th Asia-Pacific Symposium on Internetware10.1145/3457913.3457914(1-10)Online publication date: 1-Nov-2020
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Kohl KVasilescu BPrikladnicki R(2020)Multitasking Across Industry ProjectsProceedings of the IEEE/ACM 42nd International Conference on Software Engineering Workshops10.1145/3387940.3391495(93-100)Online publication date: 27-Jun-2020
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Terzopoulou ZEndriss U(2019)Optimal Truth-Tracking Rules for the Aggregation of Incomplete JudgmentsAlgorithmic Game Theory10.1007/978-3-030-30473-7_20(298-311)Online publication date: 30-Sep-2019
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