title: Cognitive predictors of a common multitasking ability: Contributions from working memory, attention control, and fluid intelligence.
abstract: Previous research has identified several cognitive abilities that are important for multitasking, but few studies have attempted to measure a general multitasking ability using a diverse set of multitasks. In the final dataset, 534 young adult subjects completed measures of working memory (WM), attention control, fluid intelligence, and multitasking. Correlations, hierarchical regression analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, structural equation models, and relative weight analyses revealed several key findings. First, although the complex tasks used to assess multitasking differed greatly in their task characteristics and demands, a coherent construct specific to multitasking ability was identified. Second, the cognitive ability predictors accounted for substantial variance in the general multitasking construct, with WM and fluid intelligence accounting for the most multitasking variance compared to attention control. Third, the magnitude of the relationships among the cognitive abilities and multitasking varied as a function of the complexity and structure of the various multitasks assessed. Finally, structural equation models based on a multifaceted model of WM indicated that attention control and capacity fully mediated the WM and multitasking relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors: Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University.
authors: Thomas S
authors: TS
authors: Redick
authors: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arizona State University.
authors: Zach
authors: Z
authors: Shipstead
authors: Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University.
authors: Matthew E
authors: ME
authors: Meier
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
authors: Janelle J
authors: JJ
authors: Montroy
authors: School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology.
authors: Kenny L
authors: KL
authors: Hicks
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Oregon.
authors: Nash
authors: N
authors: Unsworth
authors: Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Kane
authors: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University.
authors: D Zachary
authors: DZ
authors: Hambrick
authors: School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology.
authors: Randall W
authors: RW
authors: Engle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001076:Aptitude; D001288:Attention; D001307:Auditory Perception; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D011340:Problem Solving; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D012438:Saccades; D013028:Space Perception; D014796:Visual Perception; D055815:Young Adult