Marketing Papers
Document Type
Working Paper
Date of this Version
2017
Abstract
Multitasking is pervasive. With technological advancements, the desire, ability, and often necessity to engage in multiple activities concurrently are paramount. Although multitasking refers to the simultaneous execution of multiple tasks, most activities that require active attention cannot actually be done simultaneously. Therefore, whether a certain activity is considered multitasking is often a matter of subjective perception. The current paper demonstrates the malleability of what people perceive as multitasking, showing that the same activity may or may not be construed as multitasking. Importantly, although engaging in multiple tasks may diminish performance, we find that, holding the activity constant, the mere perception of multitasking actually improves performance. Across 23 incentive-compatible studies, totaling 6,768 participants, we find that those who perceived an activity as multitasking were more engaged, and consequently outperformed those who perceived that same activity as single-tasking.
Keywords
multitasking, performance, perception, engagement, pupil dilation
Recommended Citation
Srna, S., Schrift, R. Y., & Zauberman, G. (2017). The Illusion of Multitasking and Its Positive Effect on Performance. Retrieved from https://repository.upenn.edu/marketing_papers/322
Included in
Behavioral Economics Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons, Marketing Commons, Performance Management Commons, Social Psychology Commons
Date Posted: 15 June 2018
Comments
This is an unpublished manuscript.