Effects of Dual-tasking and Channel Complexity on Task Performance and Perceptions of Interpersonal Communication Satisfaction

• In Event: Uses & Effects of New Communication Technologies

Abstract

The current study investigates the effects of channel selection on task performance, communication satisfaction, and message complexity while dual-tasking, or doing something else while conversing. Ninety-one subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: control, in-person, cellular phone, or texting. Subjects were asked to perform a card-matching game while conversing. Results showed dual-tasking significantly diminished the ability to perform the task, significant differences in message complexity between conditions, and little difference in communication satisfaction.

Authors

• Jonathan Bowman, University of San Diego

• Roger Pace, University of San Diego