What do you think? Myth or Fact? Can you really do two or more tasks simultaneously -& do them well?

LOL EAT and PLAY on the "phone" Good point!

I think it depends on the tasks in question. The ones that don't require alot of mental work like washing dishes can be done while doing something else that requires more attention like talking on the phone. Or eating and reading the paper. (Although studies show people tend to overeat if they're doing another activity) Things that really should not be done while multitasking like driving require your full attention for safety as well as efficiency. Did you know it's mentally impossible to listen to 2 coversations at once? I think our brains work best when they can focus on one activity at a time.

I believe that- impossible to listening to two conversations at once - like it's impossible to watch tv and listen to a conversation...you ALWAYS miss something. might also be why it sooooo annoying when people talk through a movie...
welp research strongly suggest you cant do two things Equally well... but I agree it DEPENDS on the tasks.
There are blue-tooth "phones" in many cars-so that people can have a conversation as if the person was in the seat next to them. I never drive and hold a phone.

I know mutitasking can be done, but the quality of certain things accomplished may well suffer. Of course, mothers have had to do this since the beginning of time, lol

Speaking as someone with a linear train of thought that is forced to multitask for their job...no, it's not effective at all, for me at least.

Man! that reminds me of something a Filipino immigrant said to me once as I was explaining some concept with pictures...
he laughed and said "..you Americans think so linear" I just laughed b/c I thought maybe he's right
I knew the Sankofa concept is African and nonlinear
I wish I'd asked him what was a non-linear concept from the Filipino culture.
LOL so Thparky are you American?

It's probably more that I'm an engineer and a man...we tend to compartmentalize things and solve one problem at a time as opposed to jumping around to several different things at a time. That's an interesting way to look at it though, I've not thought about it from a cultural standpoint.

Lol

yep, pretty much! although i've gotten better about it since i've gotten into a management role, it's forced me to think about everything holistically rather than just being linear, so I'm better at jumping around than i used to be.

good deal, me too...ever since he pointed it out, before I didnt realize it

Yes

RIP Jessi Combs

What the heck?!

Wait what? who is that? a meme-er?

I had to look her up. Apparently she was one of the Myth busters TV show host who just died of a car crash, some think from trying to beat a record. That's sad she was only 36.

Oh that's terrible! I never really watched the show too much. I thought there was only 2 hosts.

I did, too. I found out through Google's search trends.

The problem is they tend to watch people try to perform new tasks. They haven't had time to figure out timing and patterns.

I'd agree depending on the tasks... if it is primarily "mechanical" or a psychomotor skill...
But cognitive skills like listening, and talking-- LOL dont go together at the same time...

I have to multi task everyday to get my work done. I have to be aware of what is going on around me at all times. It takes time and effort, but it is possible,

I dont doubt it...you probably have highly acute observation skills. And you probably have learned some skills you could do with one eye closed and one hand tied behind your back..lol
Which means you can use that eye and hand to do something else.

I just know there are some combination of tasks that simply can not be multi-tasked with EQUAL skill and efficiency . And research supports that.
Which is why in some professions learning how to properly delegate and coordinate is taught or learned, even if you aren't in management- it HAS to be a team effort.

I am admittedly bias because I already think the culture of multitasking in the workforce is often driven by profit- not quality or efficiency.