Summary of "The Science of Multitasking, and Why You Should Doodle in Class"
In this article, Jim Davies explores the concept of multitasking and its effects on productivity and focus. He begins by acknowledging that while people often pride themselves on being good multitaskers, psychologists have long warned that multitasking can be harmful. For example, talking on the phone while driving significantly impairs driving performance, even if the phone is hands-free.
Davies explains that what people often call "multitasking" is actually "rapid task-switching," where attention shifts quickly between tasks rather than focusing on multiple tasks simultaneously. This task-switching comes with a cognitive cost, as it takes time and mental energy to refocus on the original task. Studies show that even small delays in task-switching can reduce productivity by up to 40%.
However, Davies also highlights that multitasking isn't always bad. In some cases, combining tasks can be beneficial. For instance, doodling during a boring lecture or listening to instrumental music while studying can help maintain focus and alertness. The key is to pair tasks that don't compete for the same cognitive resources.
The article concludes with practical advice: when working on tasks that require deep thinking, avoid multitasking. Instead, structure your day into focused, half-hour chunks of work without distractions. This approach allows for better productivity and mental clarity.
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Article Point: "The advice is simple: when doing something that requires thinking, don’t do anything else."
My Reaction: This seems like solid advice, but it’s hard to follow in practice. For example, I often check my phone while studying because I feel like I need a break. But then it takes me forever to get back into the flow of studying. Maybe I should try the half-hour chunks of focused work that Davies suggests.
Personal Example: Last week, I tried to write an essay while texting my friends, and it took me twice as long as usual. I kept losing my train of thought every time I switched tasks. This article makes me realize that I need to set boundaries and focus on one thing at a time.
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Outline of the Article
1. Introduction to Multitasking
- People often think they are good at multitasking.
- Psychologists warn that multitasking can harm productivity.
2. The Reality of Task-Switching
- Multitasking is often rapid task-switching.
- Task-switching has a cognitive cost, leading to delays and reduced performance.
3. When Multitasking Can Be Beneficial
- Doodling during lectures or listening to music while studying can help maintain focus.
- Pairing tasks that don’t compete for cognitive resources can be effective.
4. Practical Advice
- Avoid multitasking when deep thinking is required.
- Structure work into focused, half-hour chunks without distractions.
5. Conclusion
- Multitasking isn’t all bad, but it should be used strategically.
- Focused work leads to better productivity and mental clarity.