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Updated: May 31, 2026
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A Networked Desktop Virtual Reality Setup for Decision Science and Navigation Experiments with Multiple Participants
Published on: August 26, 2018
Multitasking: multiple, domain-specific cognitive functions in a virtual environment.
Robert H Logie1, Steven Trawley, Anna Law
1Human Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh EH89JZ, Scotland. rlogie@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
Memory & Cognition
|June 22, 2011
Summary
Everyday multitasking relies on retrospective memory, visuospatial working memory, and planning, not prospective memory. Following a pre-set plan, even if inefficient, improves multitasking performance in healthy adults.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Multitasking is crucial for daily life but understudied in untrained healthy adults.
- Previous models focused on multitasking deficits in frontal-lobe lesions.
- The Edinburgh Virtual Errands Test (EVET) was developed to simulate complex everyday tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive functions underlying everyday multitasking in healthy adults.
- To test predictions derived from a model of multitasking impairments.
- To explore the role of planning and memory in successful task completion.
Main Methods:
- Participants completed diverse subtasks in a virtual reality environment (EVET).
- Cognitive functions assessed included planning, retrospective and prospective memory, and working memory.
- Statistical analyses included multiple regression and structural equation modeling.
Main Results:
- Retrospective memory, visuospatial working memory, and online planning significantly contributed to multitasking.
- Prospective and verbal working memory did not show independent contributions.
- Following a pre-prepared plan, regardless of efficiency, led to higher scores.
Conclusions:
- The findings extend existing multitasking models to healthy adults, highlighting the importance of memory and planning.
- Successful multitasking involves implementing intentions, with planning and memory influencing this process.
- Virtual environments are effective tools for studying complex cognitive functions like multitasking.
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