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Research Article
Predictors of multitasking performance in a synthetic work paradigm
Article first published online: 21 SEP 2009
DOI: 10.1002/acp.1624
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Hambrick, D. Z., Oswald, F. L., Darowski, E. S., Rench, T. A. and Brou, R. (2010), Predictors of multitasking performance in a synthetic work paradigm. Appl. Cognit. Psychol., 24: 1149–1167. doi: 10.1002/acp.1624
Publication History
- Issue published online: 21 SEP 2009
- Article first published online: 21 SEP 2009
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Abstract
This study investigated determinants of success in a ‘synthetic work’ task designed to reflect the requirement for multitasking that is common to many occupations. Participants were administered tests of working memory capacity (WMC) and processing speed (PS), and they reported experience with videogames, a type of activity presumed to involve multitasking. Results revealed that WMC was a strong predictor of multitasking in a ‘non-emergency’ condition when the pace of the tasks was relatively slow, whereas PS was a weaker predictor. Additionally, there was evidence for the incremental validity of videogame experience (VGE), consistent with the possibility that multitasking is supported by a general, trainable skill. Finally, individual differences in strategy use accounted for a large proportion of the variance in multitasking, above and beyond other predictor variables, and WMC predicted use of an effective strategy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.