From Nationalpost · · 1m
Why Your Brain Multitasks
Your brain switches focus between tasks, costing time and concentration.
In brief
Your brain switches focus between tasks, costing time and concentration. Multitasking causes mental switch costs, reducing focus on demanding tasks. Originally reported by Nationalpost.
Brain Focus Limitation
The human brain switches attention constantly because it can't focus on two things at once.
Task Switching Mechanics
Two tasks can run simultaneously unless they need the same part of the brain or body.
Example of Task Switching
Walking and chewing gum can be done at the same time because they use different body parts and don't require much concentration.
Task Switching Cost
The brain takes a moment or two to recover from switching between information competing for attention, called switch cost.
Expert on Task Switching
John Paul Minda, a psychology professor at Western University, said multitasking comes down to the brain switching between sources of information.
Practice Improves Task Switching
Maximilian Riesenhuber, a neuroscience professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, said some multitasking becomes automatic with practice.
The big picture
Multitasking causes mental switch costs, reducing focus on demanding tasks.
