Monotasking Challenge

docx

School

Arizona State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

324

Subject

Psychology

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MajorNeutronMink21

I am currently a chronic multitasker, or as the article I read calls it a task-switcher (Roberts, 2023) . I am a single mother to three children; I work two jobs and I attend school online full-time. I rarely, if ever begin and finish a task uninterrupted. I’ve learned to cook a meal while also making school lunches. I walk on my treadmill while reading textbooks for class. I am often working on my schoolwork while also assisting my children with theirs. On the rare occasions, I sit down to watch a television show or movie, I’m often knitting or embroidering something. As previously mentioned above, the human brain isn’t capable of multitasking. Our brains process information in sequence, not side by side when completing tasks (Roberts, 2023) . This switching leads to a loss of efficiency, often causing mistakes and leading to poor memory retention. Most of us think we’re more productive when we are multitasking, but the research shows the opposite. The studies outlined in the article “The Myth of Multitasking: Understanding the Limits of Human Attention” (Roberts, 2023) , show the negative impact of multitasking on learning and memory as well by inhibiting the ability to remember information in our long-term memory. The article also discusses how our connection via electronic devices causes a near-constant distraction and forces a sense of urgency to multitask. Multitasking increases our stress levels and causes us to feel overstimulated. Of course, we all feel burnt out. I established my monotasking plan to span one hour. I knew that I had a meeting at work this week. I work from home and my meetings are via Microsoft Teams. I am on camera and microphone, but I often respond to e-mails or text messages during meetings. My plan was to put my phone on do not disturb and close my e-mail for the duration of the meeting. Prior to the meeting I had written notes for my speaking portion so my thoughts would be in order. I wanted to be present and attentive when others were speaking. I also turned on a white noise machine in the room I work in to block out distracting noises and my children were at school. I was far more focused during this week’s meeting. I was attentive to each speaker and had more thoughtful questions and answers. I felt that having written down what I needed to discuss during the meeting kept my attention open to others because I was not thinking about what I would need to say. I also found that because I was not multitasking or distracted during the meeting, I didn’t feel as drained after. The white noise machine was helpful in keeping outside noises from being a distraction. I think I would use monotasking again for future meetings. Chapter Five in the textbook, the article I read and the self-study all echoed the same sentiments. The human brain does not handle divided attention particularly well. The example in the text of driving and having a conversation on a cell phone is a perfect example (Barenholtz et al., 2022). Driving is already a multifaceted skill. You must watch the road, and other drivers, look in three mirrors, and pay attention to your speed all while looking a bit ahead for potential hazards. When you add in the strain of trying to listen to someone speaking over a phone to you, that is another strain on your attention. This differs vastly from someone sitting next to you in the passenger seat and speaking to you. You can hear them better because they occupy the same space as you. There is little to no interference between you and the speaker. Unfortunately, people are often distracted drivers.

References Roberts, D. D. (2023, November 15). The Myth of Multitasking: Understanding the Limits of Human Attention . Retrieved from NewsBreak: https://original.newsbreak.com/@dr-donna-l-roberts-561947/3230240556565- the-myth-of-multitasking-understanding-the-limits-of-human-attention Barenholtz, E., Burton, C., Mavica, L., & Wehe, H. (2022). Cognitive psychology. Top Hat Monocle. https://app.tophat.com/catalog/social-science/psychology/full-course/ cognitive-psychology-elan-barenholtz-christine-burton-lauren-mavica-hillary-wehe/ 2626/ Links to an external site.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Related Documents

week 1 305 (3)dicussion.pdf

week 1 305 dicussion-2.pdf

developemental -annie mills.pdf

edu 305 (2) discussion.pdf

M5 Practice Problems.pdf

M5 Quiz.pdf

1-3 Journal.docx

developemental theory-annie mills.pdf

Screenshot 2024-02-15 at 4.44.24 PM.png

PSYCH 150_ Article 2.pdf

Trauma-Informed Assessment .docx

Ch 24 - Personality Disorders Study Guide.docx

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:PEARSON

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology

ISBN:9781337408271

Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.

Publisher:Cengage Learning,

Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...

Psychology

ISBN:9781337565691

Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780393265156

Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...

Psychology

ISBN:9781285763880

Author:E. Bruce Goldstein

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)

Psychology

ISBN:9781305652958

Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz

Publisher:Cengage Learning

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning