Effects of External and Internal Task-switching upon Idea Generation Performance

Abstract

Multi-tasking pervades in our daily lives. We are handling more than two tasks at the same time. In a situation where more than two tasks are to be carried out within a set amount of time, there are mainly two reasons why a person switches from one task to another. In one instance, switching occurs because of external circumstances regardless of the intent of performers, such as the close of the set time. In the other, switching occurs because the performer gets bored or can no longer concentrate on the task. This study was carried out to examine how these two types of task switching affect idea generation. Two idea generation tasks were presented to different groups under various conditions. For each task participants were allowed to use for 12 min. In the control group (n=25), participants were instructed to tackle the two tasks one at a time (Task A then Task B). There were two experimental conditions: in the external task switching condition, participants were obliged to alternate the two tasks sequentially for 12 min each (Task A, Task B, Task A, Task B)

In the internal switch condition, participants were allowed to switch the two tasks whenever they want to within 24 minutes for each task. The number and the quality of the ideas were rated by two graders who were not informed about the purpose of the study. The results showed that the quality of the ideas was lower for the external task switching condition than that for the control condition. However, the performance of the internal task switching group was superior to that of the control condition. Subsequent analysis showed that the increase in the number of switching resulted in lower performance even in case of the group who were given the choice when to switch. In conclusion, the results showed that performance improves when task switching choice is allowed but that too many switches have a negative influence on performance. Possible applications of these results were discussed.