Think You're Multitasking? Think Again
by Jon Hamilton

Morning Edition, October 2, 2008 · Don't believe the multitasking hype, scientists say. New research shows that we humans aren't as good as we think we are at doing several things at once. But it also highlights a human skill that gave us an evolutionary edge.

Multitasking In The Car: Just Like Drunken Driving
by Jon Hamilton

"If you're driving while cell-phoning, then your performance is going to be as poor as if you were legally drunk," says professor David Meyer.

Morning Edition, October 16, 2008 · Drivers seem pretty comfortable chatting on their cell phones while navigating the streets. But brain researchers say it's a terrible idea, even with a hands-free device.

Think You Can Be Top Gun?
by Kathleen Masterson

NPR.org, October 9, 2008 · For military pilots, multitasking means more than just talking on the phone and typing at the same time.

They must be able to operate million-dollar machinery and keep it targeted on an enemy aircraft while monitoring screens and making tactical decisions about objects on the ground. Every split-second decision has an outcome, and the stakes are high.

Multitasking Can Make You Lose ... Um ... Focus
By Alina Tugend

Walking and texting can save time, but studies show the brain has difficulty switching between more complicated tasks.

Published: October 24, 2008 As you are reading this article, are you listening to music or the radio? Yelling at your children? If you are looking at it online, are you e-mailing or instant-messaging at the same time? Checking stocks?

Since the 1990s, we’ve accepted multitasking without question. Virtually all of us spend part or most of our day either rapidly switching from one task to another or juggling two or more things at the same time.

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Copyright Carol Routh 4-12-2007