The Relationship Between Media Multitasking and Academic Achievement

• In Event: Multitasking and Selective Attention

Abstract

Concurrent with the increase in media multitasking concerns have arisen regarding the impact of media multitasking on adolescents, and particularly on their academic achievement. Although previous studies have provided preliminary evidence that academic media multitasking has negative effects on academic achievement, two main shortcomings could be distinguished. This studies will address these shortcomings by 1) examining both general media multitasking and academic media multitasking and 2) investigating three potential underlying mechanisms. To test our hypotheses we will conduct a study among Dutch adolescents between 11-13 years old. Data collection is scheduled for October to November 2014. The first data have already been collected from 560 students. Data will be collected through an online questionnaire, in which we measure the general media multitasking, academic media multitasking, study time, attention during academic activities and attention problems. Results will be presented and discussed.

Authors

• Winneke van der Schuur, University of Amsterdam

• Sindy R. Sumter, U of Amsterdam

• Susanne E. Baumgartner, U of Amsterdam