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The relation between task-unrelated media multitasking and task-related motivation
Brandon C W Ralph1, Alyssa C Smith2, Paul Seli3
1Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada. bcwralph@uwaterloo.ca.
Psychological Research
|September 20, 2019
Summary
Higher task motivation reduces media multitasking. However, engaging in media multitasking can increase task motivation, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between motivation and focus in task completion.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Media Psychology
Background:
- Understanding the interplay between task motivation and media multitasking is crucial for optimizing performance.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the bidirectional relationship between these two factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how task motivation influences media multitasking behavior.
- To examine the impact of media multitasking on task-related motivation.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Assessed motivation's effect on media multitasking using a 1-back task with an optional video.
- Experiment 2: Evaluated media multitasking's effect on task motivation with varying video conditions (none, continuous, on-demand).
Main Results:
- Increased motivation to complete a task significantly decreased engagement in media multitasking.
- Continuous media multitasking sustained task-related motivation throughout the experiment.
Conclusions:
- Task motivation and media multitasking exhibit a reciprocal relationship.
- While high motivation curbs multitasking, multitasking can, in turn, bolster motivation.
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