While extensive research has explored the cognitive foundations of divided attention under dual-task conditions using objective performance measures, such as response times, little is known about the subjective perception of effort in divided attention tasks. Furthermore, evidence suggests that beliefs about multitasking can significantly affect how individuals approach and manage multitasking demands.
In this study, three groups received different versions of information about multitasking before performing eight dual-task blocks (task adapted from Lehle, Steinhauser, & Hübner, 2009). The information was framed as either balanced, presenting both advantages and disadvantages (differentiated framing), or one-sided, presenting only one side of the information (negative or positive framing). Participants retrospectively rated their perceived effort after completing all task blocks. Crucially, they were instructed to use a serial processing strategy for half of the blocks and a parallel strategy for the other half, rating perceived effort separately for each strategy.
Contrary to prior research, serial processing was perceived as less effortful than parallel processing, while it still resulted in the superior performance typically observed. As hypothesized, participants experienced the least overall effort after positive framing. More specifically, post-hoc analyses implied that, for parallel processing, awareness of multitasking’s disadvantages—whether presented in the negative or differentiated framing conditions—led to similarly high perceptions of effort. However, framing had no significant influence on performance.
In summary, the results suggest that while mindset may not directly influence the cognitive processes underlying performance, it can play a crucial role in how comfortable individuals feel when performing highly demanding tasks.