Chapter 4. To Multitask or Not to Multitask?

Introduction

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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.
Nonexperimental Design
A design in which there is no control or manipulation of the variables. This design does not seek to establish cause and effect and instead focuses on describing or summarizing what takes place.
Experimental Design
A design in which the experimenter controls and manipulates the independent variable and makes comparisons among the different levels, allowing the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships between the independent and dependent variables.
Independent Variable (IV)
The variable that influences the dependent variable. In experiments, the researcher manipulates or controls this variable.
Dependent Variable (DV)
The variable measured in association with changes in the independent variable; the outcome or effect.
Experimental Group
The group or condition that gets the key treatment in an experiment.
Control Group
Any group or condition that does not receive the key treatment in an experiment, or receives a baseline form of treatment.
Experimental Realism
The degree to which a study participant becomes engrossed in the manipulation in the experiment and truly influenced by it.
Mundane Realism
The degree to which a study parallels everyday situations in the real world.
Experimental Control
Maintaining as much “sameness” between groups as possible, with the exception of the one element you want to test in an experiment.
Behavioral Choice
A behavioral measure that relies on participants making a purposeful selection from several options.
Behavioral Trace
A behavioral measure that relies on evidence left behind by participants who are no longer present.
Behavioral Observation
A behavioral measure that relies on directly seeing or observing behavior while the participant is still present.
Experimental Hypothesis
A clear and specific prediction of how the independent variable influences the dependent variable.
IRB
A board that reviews the ethical merit of all human research conducted within an institution.
Descriptive
A study that describes what is happening.
Inferential
A study that tests a specific prediction about why something occurs.

Two-Group Design

This activity will ask you to make decisions like a researcher as you design a two-group experiment to address whether or not multitasking is beneficial.

Dr. Natalie J. Ciarocco, Monmouth University

Dr. David B. Strohmetz, Monmouth University

Dr. Gary W. Lewandowski, Jr., Monmouth University

Something to Think About...

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Scenario: As a busy college student, you have a lot to do. You have multiple classes that each come with a combination of assignments, papers, and tests. (And inevitably, several of these assignments will be due on the same day.) You probably also have a job, family obligations, and clubs or organizations that you’re involved in, and you need to find time for exercise, sleep, and—if you’re lucky—a social life. To fit all your responsibilities into the limited amount of hours you have in a day, you might consider multitasking in order to accomplish several things at once.

Something to Think About...

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We often hold our multitasking abilities in high regard, and might even boast about all of the things we can do at once. Can you run on the treadmill while reading a book for class, listening to your iPod, checking Facebook, and posting a selfie to Instagram? Ha! That’s a slow day. Of course, the truth is that you aren’t really focusing on all of these activities at once. Rather, you are quickly switching your attention from task to task—what psychologists call time-sharing—in order to get everything done. Yet you have to wonder how many of these individual tasks you are doing well, and whether switching your attention between them really saves you time. In fact, it’s possible that multitasking causes all of these activities to take longer.

Our Research Question

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Based on your experience with multitasking, you can develop a research study that examines its effectiveness. However, you will need something to help you make decisions about how to set up your exploration of this topic. Research studies all start with a question, so here is your chance to ask yours.

Question 4.1

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3
Correct.
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Incorrect.

Picking the Best Design

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Now that you have developed a research question (“Does multitasking lead to better task performance for college students?”), it is time to decide what type of research design will best answer your question. To narrow things down, consider the following:

  • Nonexperimental Design

  • Experimental Design

Question

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2
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Incorrect.
true

Picking the Best Design

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Now that you know your research question requires a comparison between groups, it is time to determine how best to compare them.

Question

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
3
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Incorrect.
true

Picking the Best Design

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Now that you have an experimental design that compares multitasking vs. non-multitasking groups, you can identify your independent and dependent variables.

  • Independent Variable (IV)

  • Dependent Variable (DV)

Question 4.2

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3
Correct.
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Incorrect.

Picking the Best Design

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Question 4.3

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
3
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Identifying Groups

Because you have an experiment with one independent variable with two levels (multitasking vs. completing one task at a time), you have a two-group design or simple experiment. Next we should identify the experimental and control groups.

  • Experimental Group

  • Control Group

Question 4.4

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2
Correct.
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Operationally Defining the Independent Variable

Next, we need to operationally define the independent variable (IV) of multitasking by determining exactly how we will manipulate it. As we define multitasking, we’ll want to be sure our study has a high level of experimental realism.

  • Experimental Realism

Question

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3
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Operationally Defining the Independent Variable

Now that we have confirmed experimental realism, we will want to be sure our study has a high level of mundane realism.

  • Mundane Realism

Question

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
3
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Operationally Defining the Independent Variable

It looks like the task that is highest in experimental and mundane realism involves students in the experimental group switching between a vocabulary list, an IM conversation, and proofreading. We know from before that our control group will not multitask. Our next decision involves picking the best possible control group, which will be the one with the most experimental control.

  • Experimental Control

Question 4.5

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
3
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Operationally Defining the Dependent Variable

You now have the key comparison set up between multitasking and a “one at a time” approach. Next, we need to specify the exact nature of our dependent variable of “task performance.” To eliminate some options, first consider the following:

Question 4.6

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
2
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Operationally Defining the Dependent Variable

We know we want a behavioral measure that measures task performance. You will have to determine which type of behavioral measure to use from the options below:

  • Behavioral Choice

  • Behavioral Trace

  • Behavioral Observation

Question Which of the following behaviors would be best to measure? Choose as many behaviors as is appropriate.

Which of the following behaviors would be best to measure? Choose as many behaviors as is appropriate.

JW/2jkcUd+fp6oZl4DUh4l4Z2d0= A. Behavioral observation of the time necessary to complete all of the tasks.
guQovEoQNnxcQRL6QKXiq61lSew= B. Behavioral trace of smiling during the task.
e0sW2U9Crx6fh2pmJaR0Lwvb2d2l7Ovs C. Behavioral observation of their performance on a vocabulary quiz.
75Hb8ksDQc77/2N6doTSnWlmvbeRLdLI D. Behavioral choice of which task participants choose to do the most.
Table

Determining Your Hypothesis

Jesse Kunerth/iStock/Getty Images

Now that you have determined what you will manipulate and measure, it is time to think about how the study might turn out and formulate an experimental hypothesis.

  • Experimental Hypothesis

Question 4.7

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
3
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Finding a Sample

Caiaimage/Robert Daly/OJO+/Getty Images

Before you can conduct your experiment, you need to determine exactly who you want to study and where you can find your target sample.

Question 4.8

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
checklist_question_1
3
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Submitting to the IRB

wk1003mike/Shutterstock

Now that you have determined how you will collect your data and chosen your intended sample, you must submit your research procedure to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for ethical approval. The IRB or ethics board will determine whether or not your study meets all ethical guidelines.

  • IRB

Each IRB has its own protocol which conforms to the national standard when a researcher submits an application for proposed research to be reviewed. In addition to the appropriate paperwork and other information submitted to the IRB, the board would consider the following description during their evaluation of your proposed experiment:

  • The purpose of this research is to determine if multitasking leads to better task performance than completing tasks sequentially does. To study this topic, participants will perform three tasks: study 10 vocabulary words, chat using an instant messaging program, and proofread an English paper. Researchers will randomly assign participants to switch back and forth between these tasks (multitasking group) or complete tasks “one at a time” (sequential group). Researchers will then measure how long it took participants to complete all of the tasks, as well as participants’ performance on a 10-question vocabulary quiz.

checklist_activity
checklist_question_2

Responding to the IRB

wk1003mike/Shutterstock

The IRB reviewed your submission and has one concern. Specifically, they believe that having students perform three tasks is asking participants to do too much, presenting a high degree of cost, or effort, for students.

You must now determine how to respond to the IRB in order to address their concern and uphold the quality of your study. Your options include changing your design or justifying to the IRB why your current methodology is ethically sound.

Question 4.9

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
checklist_question_2
3
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Running the Study

Running the Study
Wichy/Shutterstock

Now that you have secured the IRB’s approval, we should confirm what the entire study will look like. Below are the steps of the study; can you place them in the proper order?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Debrief each participant
Time how long it takes each participant to complete the 3 tasks (studying the vocab list, instant messaging, proofreading)
Obtain informed consent from each participant
Provide each participant with instructions for completing the 3 tasks (studying the vocab list, instant messaging, proofreading)
Randomly assign each participant to the experimental or control group
Give each participant a vocabulary quiz

Collecting Data

Image Source/Photodisc/Getty Images

Now that you have a sense of how to conduct this study, it is time to see what data from this study might look like.

If you were to run a full version of this study, you would want to have at least 30 participants in each of your two groups, for a total of 60 participants. Because you have a between-subjects design, each participant will only be in one group.

Example Data Set

This is an example of what your data set would look like. The top row shows the variable names; the other rows display the data for the first 10 participants.

In the “Group” column, 1 = Multitasking Group and 2 = Sequential Group. Vocab test scores were graded from a low score of 1 to a high score of 10, and task time was recorded in seconds.

Participant Number Group VocabTestScore TaskTime
101 1 4 624
102 1 6 671
103 2 10 575
104 1 3 648
105 2 5 550
106 1 3 712
107 2 5 556
108 1 7 465
109 2 2 556
110 2 10 485

Selecting the Proper Tool

Ines Koleva/E+/Getty Images

Now that you have collected your data, you must decide the best way to summarize your findings. The decisions you made about how to collect your data dictate the statistics you can use with your data now. First, you need to consider if your study is descriptive or inferential.

  • Descriptive

  • Inferential

Question 4.10

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
2
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Tutorial: Evaluating Output

Alex Brylov/Shutterstock

The following is an example of output for another two-group design. This study was about how hours slept at night (less than 7 hours vs. more than 7 hours) influence self-reported happiness.

To report these numbers in a results section, put the numbers in as follows:

Click on the table below to learn more about each element of the output.

Independent Samples Test

Levene's Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means
F Sig. t df Sig. (2-tailed) Mean Difference Std. Error Difference 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference
Lower Upper
happiness

Equal variances assumed

.056

.814

2.076

82

.041

.36470

.17566

.01526

-.71413

Equal variances not assumed

2.076 81.974 .041 .364708 .17566 .01526

.71414

Group Statistics
Condition N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean
happiness More than 7 hours sleep

42

4.0867 .81209 .12531
Less than 7 hours sleep 42 3.7220 .79776 .12310

Your Turn: Evaluating Output

Alex Brylov/Shutterstock

Below is the output from your study:

Group Statistics
condition N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean
VocabTestScore Multi-tasking Group

Sequential Group

30

30

4.83

6.11

2.156

2.391

.394

.437

TaskTime

Multi-tasking Group

Sequential Group

30

30

660.91

571.84

102.278

112.070

18.673

20.461

Independent Samples Test

Levene's Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means
F Sig. t df Sig. (2-tailed) Mean Difference Std. Error Difference 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference
Lower Upper
VocabtestScore

Equal variances assumed

.828

.367

-2.173

58

0.34

-1.278

.588

-2.455

-.101

Equal variances not assumed

-2.173 57.389 0.34 -1.278 .588 -2.455

-.101

TaskTime

Equal variances assumed

.016 .901

3.215

58

.002

89.071

27.701

33.621

144.520

Equal variances not assumed

3.215

57.522 .002 89.071 27.701 33.611

144.530

Your Turn: Evaluating Output

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Based on the results of your statistical analyses, match the correct number in the “Answer” column to the term requested under “Prompt”:

Prompt Answer
t for the vocabulary test DV
df for the vocabulary test DV
p for the vocabulary test DV
t for the task time DV
df for the task time DV
p for the task time DV

Activity: Graphing Results

Group Statistics
condition N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean
VocabTestScore Multi-tasking Group

Sequential Group

30

30

4.83

6.11

2.156

2.391

.394

.437

TaskTime

Multi-tasking Group

Sequential Group

30

30

660.91

571.84

102.278

112.070

18.673

20.461

Drag the bars of each graph to the correct Mean value.

Mean

Your Turn: Results

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Now that you have worked with your data, you must determine the best way to express your findings in written form. You must be sure that how you describe your findings accurately represents the data.

Question 4.11

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4
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Take Home Message

RapidEye/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Now that you have determined how to express your findings in a scientifically responsible way, you need to be able to talk about what your findings mean in everyday terms so that the world can benefit from your science.

Question 4.12

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
4
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed this activity.

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