Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Revised and Neuroimaging-Compatible Versions of the Dual Task Screen
Published on: October 5, 2020
Predicting dual-task performance with the Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ)
David B Boles1, Jonathan H Bursk, Jeffrey B Phillips
1Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 870348, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA. dboles@bama.ua.edu
Objective:
The objective was to assess the validity of the Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ) in predicting dual-task interference.
Background:
Subjective workload measures such as the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) and NASA Task Load Index are sensitive to single-task parameters and dual-task loads but have not attempted to measure workload in particular mental processes. An alternative is the MRQ.
Method:
In Experiment 1, participants completed simple laboratory tasks and the MRQ after each. Interference between tasks was then correlated to three different task similarity metrics: profile similarity, based on r(2) between ratings; overlap similarity, based on summed minima; and overall demand, based on summed ratings. Experiment 2 used similar methods but more complex computer-based games.
Results:
In Experiment 1 the MRQ moderately predicted interference (r = +.37), with no significant difference between metrics. In Experiment 2 the metric effect was significant, with overlap similarity excelling in predicting interference (r = +.83). Mean ratings showed high diagnosticity in identifying specific mental processing bottlenecks.
Conclusion:
The MRQ shows considerable promise as a cognitive-process-sensitive workload measure.
Application:
Potential applications of the MRQ include the identification of dual-processing bottlenecks as well as process overloads in single tasks, preparatory to redesign in areas such as air traffic management, advanced flight displays, and medical imaging.
