The ability to allocate cognitive resources across multiple tasks or information streams simultaneously, often resulting in reduced performance due to shared capacity limits.
Neural: prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, frontoparietal control network
Cognitive: resource sharing, interference management, parallel vs. serial processing
Behavioral: multitasking attempts, performance trade-offs, slowed responses
A driver attempts to follow GPS directions while holding a conversation, resulting in slower reaction times and reduced situational awareness.
Task A + Task B → Resource Sharing → Interference → Performance Trade-Off