There’s a popular belief that women are better than men at multitasking. And now’s there’s new research supporting this.
This latest study researchers watched brain activity of 140 men and women while they were inside a functional MRI – a magnetic resonance imaging machine.
Participants were asked to switch their attention among random tasks. They also underwent neuropsychological tests. The results suggest men may find it more difficult than women to switch between tasks because we require more brain power to do so.
We don’t know at this time. But when you mentally switch tasks, you activate certain areas of the brain. The study indicated that men need to mobilize additional areas of the brain and use more energy than women to do so.
Most people want to effectively make use of their time so here are my prescriptions:
Partha’s RX
1. Lump all your related tasks together
The more similar they are, the easier it will be to switch between them.
2. Give intense or complex tasks your full attention
Switching to new tasks can take a tool on your focus and productivity.
3. Eliminate unnecessary tasks
You’ll be more efficient.
4. Keep a to-do list
It’s a great reminder of what really needs to get done.
Women participants were better than men at multi-tasking between the ages of 20 and 50. Researchers found no significant differences between men and women between the ages of 51 and 65. And they pointed out this difference in reaction would likely be barely noticeable in day-to-day life, except for potentially stressful or critical situations.
