The Relations among Executive Functions and Users' Perceptions toward Using Technologies to Multitask

In this research, we examined the influence of information processing abilities (i.e., executive functions) on users’ perceptions about technologies. Borrowing the literature from psychology discipline, we explained how individual’s working memory capacity (WMC), focus, and flexibility skills influence cognitive absorption, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness in the context of technologies multitasking. We also integrated a micro-level measure (n-Back task to measure WMC) and macro-level measures (self-report questionnaire) in this present study. The results revealed that individual’s information processing mechanism influences the degree of his or her cognitive absorption when he or she engages in more than one task or technology simultaneously or sequentially. An individual is likely to experience high degree of cognitive absorption if he or she is able to balance the focus and flexibility. Furthermore, we found that WMC is positively associated with perceived ease of use. Together, perceived ease of use and cognitive absorption influence perceived usefulness.

[1]  Cornelius J. Konig,et al.  Working Memory, Fluid Intelligence, and Attention Are Predictors of Multitasking Performance, but Polychronicity and Extraversion Are Not , 2005 .

[2]  David F. Larcker,et al.  Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error: Algebra and Statistics: , 1981 .

[3]  Fred D. Davis,et al.  User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models , 1989 .

[4]  Scott B. MacKenzie,et al.  Common method biases in behavioral research: a critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. , 2003, The Journal of applied psychology.

[5]  K. Arbuthnott.  The influence of cue type on backward inhibition. , 2005, Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition.

[6]  H. Aarts,et al.  Goals, attention, and (un)consciousness. , 2010, Annual review of psychology.

[7]  Raquel Benbunan-Fich,et al.  Juggling on a high wire: Multitasking effects on performance , 2012, Int. J. Hum. Comput. Stud..

[8]  A. Baddeley.  Working memory: theories, models, and controversies. , 2012, Annual review of psychology.

[9]  M. J. Emerson,et al.  The Unity and Diversity of Executive Functions and Their Contributions to Complex “Frontal Lobe” Tasks: A Latent Variable Analysis , 2000, Cognitive Psychology.

[10]  A. Dijksterhuis,et al.  unconScIouS thought workS Bottom-uP and conScIouS thought workS toP-down when formIng an ImPreSSIon , 2011 .

[11]  E. Kevin Kelloway,et al.  Flow at work: An experience sampling approach , 2009 .

[12]  Susanne M. Jaeggi,et al.  The Relationship between N-Back Performance and Matrix Reasoning--Implications for Training and Transfer. , 2010 .

[13]  T. Davenport.  Thinking for a living : how to get better performance and results from knowledge workers , 2005 .

[14]  Elena Karahanna,et al.  Time Flies When You're Having Fun: Cognitive Absorption and Beliefs About Information Technology Usage , 2000, MIS Q..

[15]  M. Csíkszentmihályi.  Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience , 1990 .

[16]  N. Cowan.  Evolving conceptions of memory storage, selective attention, and their mutual constraints within the human information-processing system. , 1988, Psychological bulletin.

[17]  Mary Czerwinski,et al.  A diary study of task switching and interruptions , 2004, CHI.

[18]  M. Csíkszentmihályi.  Flow. The Psychology of Optimal Experience. New York (HarperPerennial) 1990. , 1990 .

[19]  H. Aarts,et al.  The Unconscious Eye Opener , 2009, Psychological science.

[20]  Clifford Nass,et al.  Cognitive control in media multitaskers , 2009, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[21]  R. Engle,et al.  Working-memory capacity and the control of attention: the contributions of goal neglect, response competition, and task set to Stroop interference. , 2003, Journal of experimental psychology. General.