multitasking
MUL-tee-TASK-ing
/ˈmʌl.tiˌtæs.kɪŋ/
The execution of multiple tasks simultaneously or in rapid succession.
Often viewed critically in modern cognitive science as rapid task-switching rather than true dual-processing.
The story behind the word. Multitasking was coined in 1965 in a computer engineering context to describe the IBM System/360 processing multiple capabilities concurrently. It was only applied to human behavior in the late 1990s.
Word relationships
- task-switching: Task-switching is the precise scientific term for moving focus rapidly between duties.
- single-tasking: Single-tasking is dedicating undivided attention to one task at a time.
Commonly confused with
- multi-processing: Multiprocessing refers to computer hardware running parallel software cores.
Word family
- multitask (verb): To perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
- multitasker (noun): A person who performs multiple tasks.
Collocations
- heavy multitasking
- effective multitasking
- multitasking ability
- juggle multitasking
Example sentences
- "Studies demonstrate that heavy multitasking decreases cognitive efficiency and increases error rates." Cognitive Psychology
Memory hook
MULTI (many) TASKS done at the same time. Juggling multiple plates.
When not to use
Do not use for sequential step-by-step workflows executed one after another.
Fun facts
- Research indicates that only about 2.5% of the human population can multitask without experiencing a decline in cognitive performance.
Related words
Explore more words
rapid, automaticity, concurrent, versatile, agility, cognitive
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