Are Those Who Multitask Most The Worst At It?

WebMD Medical News By Kathleen Doheny Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD Jan. 24, 2013 — Next time you see a driver talking on the cell phone and looking confident, you might want to change lanes. People who often talk on cell phones while driving may think they are experts at such multitasking, but they are typically not, says researcher David Strayer, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Utah. In this case, Strayer and his colleagues found practice does not make perfect, or even close to it. “The people who multitask the most seem to be the worst at it,” he says, citing his study results. The study is published in PLOS ONE. However, another expert who has studied the effects of distraction takes issue with the finding. It may only suggest that people who are more intelligent don’t talk and drive, as they are aware of the risks, says Erik Altmann, PhD. He is an associate professor of psychology at Michigan State University. Multitasking: Who’s Good? Strayer measured the multitasking ability of 277 college students.  He used a test that involves two tasks. The students had to remember a series of two to five letters. Each of the letters was separated by a simple math equation (“Does 2+4=6?”) that they had to decide was true or false. The students also ranked themselves on multitasking ability. They gave themselves a score, from zero to 100, with 50 termed average. “Eighty percent said they were at or above averag...
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