“Multitasking” Or Can We Focus On More Than one Thing At A Time?
October 14th, 2008 by June von BoninIn our days it is normal to do several things at the same time: We listen to the radio while reading the newspapers, or drive and talk on the phone. This is called multitasking.
But, are we really multitasking? That is, is our brain capable of paying attention to more than one object at the time? Read about the human myth of multitasking.
(via npr.org)
October 18th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
a good article. but somehow it’s a strange fact to need to proof something you already know by heart - since centuries in philosophy and religion… and since your born by one experience - or can you really remember what your mom told you on the phone during you was writing an sms to your friend? to be honest you cant’ you just shift to the point of interest and than switch back and try to catch up. even if it’s fast - if you think about your always aware of this fact. but it’s nice that it’s proved now by science.
I appreciate your quest for interesting information, merci, natasha
October 19th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Natasha,
Some people know that they can not divide their attention, but others still believe they can. It is for these people, that science have to prove such facts.
For more information, listen to the npr radio show about multitasking.
October 19th, 2008 at 10:59 am
June,
nice week-end, natasha
thanks for your thoughts. I hope you don’t mind the question, what for is actually this blog? I have to admit i don’t participate on blogs - bud I’m surprised to sea almost no comments attached to your research. Is it not meant to share wisdom in a blog or is it more a recourse for gathering information? I definitely like the subject, so i’ll take my time to read in daily rates what your posting
October 21st, 2008 at 6:53 am
Natasha,
We are a technology company, specialised in building intelligent computer systems. So, our blog concentrates on intelligence, cognition, the brain…
December 1st, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I do belive you research, but I have just one question. When engaged in a conversation, people move, see, and talk, all at the same time. All of these things require the brain, so is it not ,in a sence, multitasking? Our vision doesn’t cease throughout the conversation even if we are doing other things. People can also walk, and use hand motions while talking. I don’t know if this is because it is something that we do automaticlly, and we don’t have to think about, because our brain does it without us telling it to, but we are still thinking about it, even if it is subconsiously.
Thanks for the article, it gave me a lot of help.
December 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
E.M.,
Thank you for your question. Some types of multitasking we all are doing such as walking and talking, or breathing and walking.. As long as the tasks don’t take up the same areas of the brain, we can all do it. But, paying attention to the road and talking on the phone while driving all “use” the same brain areas. So, the brain handles these kinds of task sequentially. Which really isn’t multitasking.