Inter-individual Differences in Multitasking: Prioritisation and Conceptualisation as Determinants of Efficient Multitasking

多任务是同时执行两个任务。在我们的研究建议中，我们分析了双重任务中性能的灵活性。为此，我们将联合收割机与感觉运动和认知任务相结合。在第一个资助期，我们发现，如果任务是可预测的，无论是通过感知还是通过知识，双重任务的成本都会降低。然而，性能提高，在可预测的任务，其他任务仍然不受影响，除了当任务的功能是相互依赖的。我们假设这些发现有两个原因。如果只有一个任务是可预测的，则可以优先考虑该任务。在相互依赖的情况下，任务可以被概念化为单个（超级）任务。在我们的第二个供资期提案中，我们研究了这两个战略。在项目A中，我们分析了双重任务中优先级的个体决定因素的影响，在项目B中，我们分析了任务概念化对双重任务绩效的影响。在我们的研究系列中，我们在实验中使用了边跟踪边打字的范例，参与者必须用左手键入一行数字，同时用右手将移动的光标保持在目标的中间。在项目A，第1阶段，我们通过改变支付函数来操纵行为后果，并分析风险倾向，接近-回避动机，起始偏好或持续注意力的个体差异是否会影响任务的个体优先级。在第二阶段，根据决策场理论，我们开发并验证了一个模型，该模型可以从这些个体差异中预测优先级。在项目B，第一阶段，我们分析的影响，任务概念化的双任务性能操纵指令（一个或两个任务）和反馈（综合或单独）。在第二阶段，我们测试，如果概念化是一个有用的策略，以应付多任务的要求，并寻找概念化能力的个体差异。在共同的阶段3中，我们检查特定任务的优先级和概念化是否可以通过实践来改进，以及多任务处理的需求是否可以根据个人喜好进行调整。总之，我们提出的项目将导致更好地理解多任务处理性能的个体差异。从理论的角度来看，我们的研究有助于回答这个问题，如果受损的人类多任务处理行为是不可避免的，由于结构的限制，或者如果人类可以灵活地适应多任务处理的需求。

Multitasking is the simultaneous execution of two tasks. In our research proposal we analyse the flexibility of performance in dual tasking. For this purpose we will combine a sensorimotor and a cognitive task. In the first funding period we found out that dual-task costs are reduced if tasks are predictable, both by perception and by knowledge. However, performance improved in the predictable tasks only; the other task remained uninfluenced, except when features of the tasks were mutually dependent. We assume two reasons for these findings. If only one task is predictable, this task could be prioritised. In the case of mutual dependence, the tasks could be conceptualised as a single (super)task. In our proposal for the second funding period, we investigate these two strategies. In Project A, we analyse the influence of individual determinants of prioritisation in dual tasking and in Project B we analyse the influence of task conceptualisation on dual task performance. In our research series we use the typing-while-tracking paradigm for our experiments, where participants have to type a line of digits with their left hand while keeping a moving cursor in the middle of a target with their right hand. In Project A, Phase 1, we manipulate behavioural consequences by varying a payoff function and analyse if individual differences in risk tendency, approach–avoidance motivation, starting preferences, or sustained attention influence individual prioritisation of a task. In Phase 2, following decision field theory, we develop and validate a model that predicts prioritisation from these individual differences. In Project B, Phase 1, we analyse the influence of task conceptualisation on dual-task performance by manipulating instructions (one or two tasks) and feedback (integrated or separate). In Phase 2 we test if conceptualisation is a useful strategy for coping with multitasking demands and look for individual differences in conceptualisation abilities. In the common Phase 3 we examine if task-specific prioritisation and conceptualisation can be improved by practice and if multitasking demands can be tailored to personal preferences. To sum up, our proposed project will lead to improved understanding of individual differences in multitasking performance. From a theoretic point of view, our research helps answer the question if impaired human multitasking behaviour is inevitable due to structural constraints or if humans can adapt flexibly to multitasking demands.