Predicting Task-Induced State Changes in a Multitasking Environment from Personality Factors

Abstract

Very often, technologies are developed with more of an understanding about the tasks to be accomplished than of the mental processes associated with performing the task. In multitasking environments, this can be detrimental to system and task design since the brain may not distinguish and process tasks in the same way as systems do. This can result in technologies that work against the individual’s mental inclinations which can, in part, be attributed to personality factors. The present study investigated the relationships between selected traits and various task outcomes in a multitasking environment. Although several traits were associated with different task-induced states, Emotional Stability and Conscientiousness were significant predictors of several task outcomes, having the most lasting effects throughout the tasks.