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Predicting attention shifting abilities from self-reported media multitasking - PubMed

Predicting attention shifting abilities from self-reported media multitasking

Pia Elbe et al. Psychon Bull Rev. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Media multitasking is an increasingly prominent behavior in affluent societies. However, it still needs to be established if simultaneous use of several modes of media content has an influence on higher cognitive functions, such as divided attention. In this study, attention shifting was the primary focus, since switching between tasks is assumed to be necessary for media multitasking. Two tasks, the number-letter and local-global task, were used as measures of switching ability. The cognitive reflections task was included to control for possible effects of intelligence. Results from linear regression analyses showed that higher levels of media multitasking was related to lower switching costs in the two attention-shifting tasks. These findings replicate previous findings suggesting that heavy media multitaskers perform better on select measures of task switching. We suggest two possible explanations for our results: media multitasking may practice skills needed for switching between tasks, or high media multitaskers are choosing this style of technology use due to a dominating personality trait in this group.

Keywords: Attention; Executive functions; Media; Multitasking; Switching.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1

Illustration of the local–global task. If the stimulus was in black color, the task was to decide the shape of the global figure. If the stimulus was blue, the task was to make a decision about the local figure(s). Attention switching occurred when shifting between local and global

Fig. 2
Fig. 2

Illustration of the number–letter task. If a number–letter combination was presented in any of the upper corners of the screen, the participant should decide if the number as odd or even. If the combination displayed in any the bottom corners, the task was to decide if the letter was lowercase or capital. Attention switching occurred when between categorizing letters and numbers

Fig. 3
Fig. 3

Scatterplot illustrating the relationship between (a) Media Multitasking Index (MMI) score and number–letter switch costs, and (b) MMI score and local–global switch costs. Black line is a linear regression line. Gray shaded region surrounding it denotes the 95% confidence area

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