Multitasking is described as the ability to engage in multiple tasks at the same
ID: 3155768 • Letter: M
Question
Multitasking is described as the ability to engage in multiple tasks at the same time. Some individuals claim to be able to multitask without sacrificing quality of output. Some people attempt to text and walk or drive at the same time. Others try to read while listening to music. Are you one of these individuals? Recent research suggests that the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex, may be able to help us with this ability (Jancke, Brunner, & Esslen, 2008; Modirrousta & Fellows, 2008). How effective are we when we multitask? Research suggests that it really depends on several factors including similarity of the tasks being performed, the level of experience of the multitasker, their intellectual ability, gender, and age. Many studies have shown that as good as we think we may be at multitasking, the quality of our work tends to lower and it takes us longer to accomplish our tasks than if we were to focus on one task at a time (Buhner, Konig, Pick, & Krumm, 2006; Clay, 2009; Kinney, 2008; Mark, Gudith & Klocke, 2008; Rubinstein, Meyer, & Evan, 2001). In addition, younger people may not be as capable as older individuals at multitasking (Westwell, 2007). Because of the high demand on the time of many college students, the multitasking trend continues.
Design an experiment to test whether age affects multitasking ability. Keep in mind that you will use the 1-way ANOVA to analyze your hypothetical data.
1. What is the “independent variable” (IV)?
2. What are the levels of the IV?
3. What is the dependent variable? Operationally define your DV.
4. What is the null hypothesis?
5. What is the alternate hypothesis?
6. Why is the 1-way ANOVA appropriate for your design?
7. What other statistical tests will be needed to examine exactly where differences are if the null hypothesis is rejected.
Explanation / Answer
1. Independent variable:Age
2. Yoing and Old.
3. Dependent variable: Multitasking ability.
4. H0:mu1=mu2
5. H1: Atleast on mean is different from another.
6. The samples are single random sample and independnet. For each population variable under consideration is assumed to b enormal and standard deviations for variable under consideratio are the same for all populations.
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