Tracking the Multitasking Mind

Abstract

Task switching paradigms examining executive control in multitask environments typically measure reaction time and accuracy from key press responses. The discrete nature of such responses may limit the ability to capture the dynamics of cognitive control processes that unfold over time in complex environments. The current study used computer mouse tracking methodology to measure the processes that occur during task switching. In two experiments mouse trajectory data were collected as participants used onscreen category labels to respond to two simple tasks. The application of mouse tracking methodology to cued task switching provided both a replication of previous findings using key press responses and a more sensitive measure of the cognitive processes and activated representations underlying those effects. Computer mouse tracking offers a novel methodology for uncovering the mental representations and processes unfolding during multitasking.