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Media multitasking and behavioral measures of sustained attention
Brandon C W Ralph1, David R Thomson, Paul Seli
1Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada, bcwralph@uwaterloo.ca.
Attention, Perception & Psychophysics
|October 5, 2014
Summary
This study investigated media multitasking and sustained attention. Results indicate no consistent link between frequent media multitasking and deficits in sustained attention abilities.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Media Psychology
Background:
- Media multitasking is prevalent, raising concerns about its impact on cognitive functions.
- Sustained attention is crucial for many daily tasks and academic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between self-reported media multitasking and sustained attention.
- To determine if habitual media multitasking correlates with general deficits in sustained attention.
Main Methods:
- Four studies utilized the media multitasking index (MMI) to assess self-reported media use.
- Sustained attention was measured using three tasks: Metronome Response Task (MRT), Sustained-Attention-to-Response Task (SART), and a vigilance task.
- Large online samples were employed across the studies.
Main Results:
- Study 1 found higher media multitasking associated with poorer MRT performance (increased response variability).
- Studies 2, 3a, and 3b found no association between media multitasking and SART performance.
- Study 4 revealed no link between media multitasking and performance decrements on a vigilance task.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a general deficit in sustained attention due to habitual media multitasking.
- The relationship between media multitasking and specific attention measures may be task-dependent.
