The aim of this project is to investigate factors that determine individual strategies for dealing with multitasking situations. Previous studies have shown that individuals usually use one of two strategies when multitasking – they either process tasks in succession (serial) or almost simultaneously (overlapping). However, little is known about how these two groups differ in other neurocognitive factors.
In this project, we examine individual differences in intelligence, working memory capacity, and an fMRI parameter of neural brain connectivity (Brain Network Reconfiguration), which measures how efficiently the brain switches from the resting state (not solving tasks) to the task state. The multitasking strategy is examined in a “Task Switching with Preview” paradigm, in which subjects have the opportunity to use preview information when switching between tasks.
Using a correlational approach, we test the hypothesis that the three factors contribute to individual differences in the multitasking strategies used and the performance achieved (efficiency).
We expect insights into the neurocognitive foundations of multitasking and individual processing styles, which can serve as a basis for the development of population-specific interventions.