Start Date

14-12-2012 12:00 AM

Description

Perhaps one of the most prevalent, yet least understood, forms of modern behavior is human multitasking aided by technology. Multitasking is both difficult to define and to measure. Based on Activity Theory and the concept of focus shifts, this study defines multitasking as shifts that occur when the flow of work is interrupted and tasks are interchanged during a session. The analysis of focus shift diversity, with respect to the tasks that receive attention, enables researchers to measure multitasking. With this approach, several indices of diversity are examined in order to provide recommendations about alternative measurement choices. This methodological study advances our understanding of the possibilities and limitations of using diversity indices for measuring multitasking.

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Dec 14th, 12:00 AM

Measurement of Multitasking with Focus Shift Analysis

Perhaps one of the most prevalent, yet least understood, forms of modern behavior is human multitasking aided by technology. Multitasking is both difficult to define and to measure. Based on Activity Theory and the concept of focus shifts, this study defines multitasking as shifts that occur when the flow of work is interrupted and tasks are interchanged during a session. The analysis of focus shift diversity, with respect to the tasks that receive attention, enables researchers to measure multitasking. With this approach, several indices of diversity are examined in order to provide recommendations about alternative measurement choices. This methodological study advances our understanding of the possibilities and limitations of using diversity indices for measuring multitasking.