Abstract

This study aimed to document the occurrence of media multitasking activity, as well as to explore a possible typology of which media tasks will be distinguished as primary or secondary in a multitasking situation, which primary tasks are most often combined with a secondary task, and what secondary tasks are most likely to be paired with a given primary task. An original questionnaire was developed to collect data on media tasks commonly paired in multitasking situations as well as the reasons for or perceived benefits of pairing these tasks. This questionnaire was given to participants along with several individual differences scales of interest. The results suggested that media multitasking is a common occurrence, and that combining the same two tasks will be reported differently depending on which task is designated as primary. Video games, social media, web surfing, text, and television were found to be the primary tasks paired most often with another task, while audio, text, social media, computer video, web surfing, and television were found to be the secondary tasks most commonly paired with primary tasks. Following the analysis of the media multitasking reports, recommendations were made for future research examining the relationship between the multitasking data and the individual differences data, as well as the reported reasons for multitasking.

Thesis Completion

2019

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Sims, Valerie

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-1-2019

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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