Individual Differences in Dynamic Multitasking Performance

Abstract

The current study examined whether individual differences in memory, attention, and visuospatial ability are significant predictors of multitasking ability (multitasking performance baseline level) and multitasking adaptability (the capacity to adapt to dynamic changes in task demands). Participants were administered a neuropsychological battery to measure individual differences in cognitive abilities. Then, participants performed the Multi-Attribute Task Battery-II (MATB) comprising of three workload conditions. Results indicated that participants scoring higher on measures of attention performed better on the MATB during the baseline condition (ability). However, higher scores on measures of delayed memory predicted better performance during more demanding MATB conditions (adaptability), while visuospatial ability predicted worsened performance during more demanding MATB conditions. Additionally, higher global neuropsychological functioning predicted better MATB performance during all conditions.