According to popular stereotypes, women are better multitaskers. In fact, a quick Google search leads to many press articles claiming a female advantage. For example, women came out as better multitaskers when researchers used fMRI scans to measure brain activity, computer tests to measure response times, and an exercise in which people walking on a treadmill had to simultaneously complete a cognitive task.
Research: Women and Men Are Equally Bad at Multitasking
Science debunks a popular stereotype.
September 26, 2018
Summary.
According to popular stereotypes, women are better multitaskers. While there have been some scientific studies that have found a female advantage in multitasking, other studies have found either no sex differences or a male advantage. A team of researchers set out to test this once again, using a computer simulation that mimicked an everyday situation—a method that allowed them to create a real-world environment while controlling for a number of variables. They found no differences between male and female participants.
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Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
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