Multitasking and task performance: Roles of task hierarchy, sensory interference, and behavioral response

This research examined how different types of multitasking affect task performance due to (a) task hierarchy, (b) sensory interference, and (c) behavioral response. This research used a 2 task hierarchy (primary vs. secondary multitasking) × 2 sensory interference (low vs. high) × 2 behavioral response (absent vs. present) between group experimental design. The results of two experiments showed that task performance was lower (a) when the given task was a secondary task, (b) when sensory interference was high, and (c) when behavioral response was present. In addition, there was an interaction between task hierarchy and sensory interference, such that the effect of task hierarchy was stronger when sensory interference was high (than low). Theoretical, practical, and methodological implications for future multitasking research are further discussed. •We examined the effects of (a) task hierarchy, (b) sensory interference, and (c) behavioral response on task performance.•For task hierarchy, task performance was lower when the task was a secondary task (compared to when it was a primary task).•For sensory interference, task performance was lower when sensory interference was high (compared to when it was low).•For behavioral response, task performance was lower when behavioral response was present (compared to when it was absent).•The effect of task hierarchy was stronger when sensory interference was high (compared to when it was low).