Multitasking

Multitasking refers to the ability of an individual to handle more than one task simultaneously or switch between tasks quickly. In the context of cognitive psychology, multitasking is often discussed in terms of attentional resources and how the brain processes multiple streams of information at once. The concept is also relevant in computer science, where it pertains to the operation of computing systems that perform multiple processes or tasks concurrently.

Overview

Multitasking in humans involves performing several tasks at once or switching focus between tasks rapidly. This ability is limited by the brain's cognitive processing capacity. Research in neuroscience and psychology suggests that true simultaneous attention to multiple tasks is rare; instead, the brain switches focus from one task to another rapidly, a process known as task switching. This can lead to a decrease in performance and an increase in errors, a phenomenon known as the "multitasking penalty."

In computer science, multitasking refers to the capability of a computer system to run multiple processes or applications simultaneously. This is achieved through time-sharing, where the computer's processor allocates a small amount of time to each task in rapid succession, creating the illusion of simultaneous execution.

Types of Multitasking

Human Multitasking

• Serial Tasking: Switching between tasks in a sequential manner.
• Parallel Tasking: Attempting to perform tasks simultaneously, which is less common and more difficult due to cognitive limitations.

Computer Multitasking

• Preemptive Multitasking: The operating system controls the allocation of processing time to various tasks, interrupting and resuming tasks as necessary to ensure smooth operation.
• Cooperative Multitasking: Tasks voluntarily yield control to other tasks, requiring well-designed programs to avoid monopolizing the processor.

Implications for Productivity

While multitasking can seem efficient, it often leads to decreased productivity and increased error rates in humans. The cognitive load of managing multiple tasks can impair performance and lead to stress. In contrast, computer systems are designed to handle multitasking efficiently, though issues such as resource contention and process prioritization can still impact performance.

Research and Studies

Studies in cognitive psychology have used tasks like the Stroop test and task-switching paradigms to investigate the limits of human multitasking abilities. These studies generally find that task performance suffers when individuals attempt to multitask, especially as the complexity of the tasks increases.

See Also

• Cognitive Load
• Time Management
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Attentional Control