Media multitasking

Question 1

Definition of task

Answer 1

Consists of:
A hierarchy of
• Goal(s)
• Subordinate goal(s)
• Stimulus response action(s)*

Question 2

Multitasking

Answer 2

Combining multiple tasks: typically accompanied by performance costs

Multitasking is also Task switching:
switching between tasks (takes more time than repeating one task)

Failure to switch = not pay enough attention to one of the tasks

Question 3

Media multitasking

Answer 3

Concurrent use of multiple digital media streams (eg texting and watching netflix)

or using a digital media stream while doing some non media activity (eg listening to the lecturer and using your phone).

Question 4

Influences of media multitasking (5)

Answer 4

1. Physical health (sleep deprivation)
2. Mental health (depression, social anxiety)
3. Personality (impulsivity)
4. Academics (performance drop)
5. Cognition (attention, memory, learning)

Question 5

ARCES

Answer 5

Attention related cognitive errors scale. E.g., ‘‘I have gone to the fridge to get one thing (e.g., milk) and taken something else (e.g., juice).’’

Question 6

Main problem in conducting research on multitasking

Answer 6

Mainly correlational studies (i.e., no manipulation of media multitasking), lacking any support for a causal impact of media multitasking on cognitive systems.

Question 7

3 types of media multitasking interventions

Answer 7

• Awareness interventions
  E.g. from study: One intervention generated popup alerts to remind participants to return to a primary task whenever they engaged in media multitasking while studying
• Restriction interventions
  E.g. Time restrictions for certain apps
• Mindfulness interventions
  E.g. from study: endeavor to cultivate greater attention to and awareness of one’s current state, empowering an individual to enact a greater degree of control over their actions

Question 8

Shortcomings of questionnaires measuring Media multitasking (4)

Answer 8

1. Self report bias (political correctness, social desirability, privacy protection)
2. Respondent may be unaware of correct self-report
3. No way of knowing for sure whether the respondent understood the question
4. Hard to capture nuances

Question 9

Solutions for errors in measuring media multitasking (how to measure)

Answer 9

Combining self-report measures with more objective measures like:

1. Diaries
2. Video recordings of behavior
3. Automatic tracking on participants device