Multitasking's Negative Effects On Learning

Multitasking negatively affects learning. MORE. Foerde, Knowlton, and Poldrack (2006) observed the effects of distraction on learning. In the study, 14 participants aged 18 to 45 years old predicted the weather based on a sequence of color cues during the single task condition (ST). During the dual task condition (DT), participants also heard high and low-pitched tones and kept count of the high tones. During the ST and DT, the participants’ brains were scanned using fMRI. The participants were then shown color cues learned during the ST and DT conditions and asked to estimate the probability of the weather. The results were that learning still occurred during the DT condition, but the sequences of cues learned during the DT were more difficult

In the “Attached to Technology and Paying a Price” article, Matt Richtel stated that an increase in stress during multitasking can lead to a decrease in short-term memory. This relates to the research because the participants had a harder time applying the knowledge they learned while multitasking in the DT condition. Both articles also discussed the effects of technology and multitasking on children. Richtel stated that technology can create attention problems due the constant switching between tasks. This in turn can decrease children’s learning and productivity in school. The authors of the “The First Steps to Digital Detox, Room for Debate” article expanded on Richtel’s beliefs and stated that multitasking will lead to shallower and less flexible learning. The results of the research showed that multitasking leads to a different style of learning AND A HARDER TIME APPLYING KNOWLEDGE, but the NY Times articles discussed why this occurs including an increase in stress and divided attention. The NY Times articles accurately represented the research because the articles stated that distractions do have negative effects on learning especially in children. I commend the articles for discussing the effect of multitasking on