Individual differences in multitasking choices

Laura Bröker, Harald Ewolds, Stefan Künzell, Rita F. de Oliveira, Markus Raab

Publication: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution - Published abstract for conference with selection processResearchpeer-review

Abstract

We have developed a theoretical perspective arguing that human multitasking should be understood as a choice (Broeker et al., 2018). This idea emerged from recent developments in the field of dual-task research, demonstrating that individual differences, flexible resource allocation, and prioritization of tasks are hard to align with classic dual-task accounts, e.g. structural bottleneck or capacity limitation accounts. We argue that decision parameters, used in judgment and decision making (JDM) research, can help to predict and better understand multitasking performance and thereby complement classic dual-task theories. We adapt the Decision Field Theory (Busemeyer & Towsend, 1993) to multitasking purposes, and explain how computational modelling techniques may provide a benefit to understanding multitasking costs. In our initial theoretical publication, we outlined a concrete interdisciplinary future research program whose preliminary implementation and results will complement the talk. We applied a continuous switching paradigm, in which participants (N = 22) have to prioritise a task over another under different situations of risk. We hypothesise that performance on an independent risk measure and the transformation of performance scores into decision parameters can predict switching behaviour. Data collection will be finished until the conference presentation.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAbstract book : 50 years of FEPSAC. 15th European congress of sport & exercise psychology, Münster, Germany, 15-20 July 2019
EditorsBernd Strauss, Barbara Halberschmidt, Till Utesch, Dennis Dreiskämper, Sebastian Brückner, Maike Tietjens, Vera Storm, Linda Schücker, Friederike Rosenfeld, Charlotte Raue, Stijn Mentzel, Meike Kolb, Lena Henning, Lena Busch
Number of pages1
Place of PublicationMünster
PublisherDepartment of Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Muenster
Publication date2019
Pages115
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventFEPSAC 2019 - 15th European congress of sport & exercise psychology: Building the future of sport & exercise psychology - Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
Duration: 15.07.201920.07.2019
Conference number: 15
https://www.fepsac2019.eu/

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