What does research say about multitasking, and what practice should students adopt to maximize learning?

• A. Multitasking has no impact.
• B. Multitasking impairs attention and learning; practice single-tasking with focused blocks, avoid switching tasks mid-flow.
• C. Only long tasks require single-tasking.
• D. Multitasking improves efficiency.

Answer: (B)

Multitasking splits your attention and undermines learning. When you try to juggle two demanding activities, your brain can’t truly process both at once. The cost isn’t just time wasted switching gears; your working memory has to repeatedly reorient, which weakens how well you encode new information and how well you recall it later. That means you often feel like you’re getting more done, but your understanding and retention aren’t actually improving.

To maximize learning, use single-tasking in focused blocks. Pick one task, minimize distractions, and work for a set period with a timer. Stay on that task until the block ends, then take a short break before starting another block. This approach supports deep processing, helps sustain attention, and enhances memory consolidation, making study sessions more productive.

Some people think multitasking doesn’t matter or only affects very long tasks, but research shows the opposite: switching between tasks consistently hurts performance across tasks and durations, and the idea that multitasking boosts efficiency isn’t supported by evidence.