Introduction
Selective attention and multitasking play a critical role in people’s daily lives. Divided attention is a technique of selecting certain stimuli to process while ignoring the perceived distracting parts. On the other hand, multitasking is the ability to perform more than one task at a given time. The technique can improve the response time, memory, and reduce the errors experienced during the observation (Wang & Krauzlis, 2018). The mastery of the two abilities has several advantages and limitations in life. This paper aims at exploring the nature of these skills and analyze their pros and cons.
Advantages of the Selective Attention and Multitasking
Both selective attention and multitasking have proved to have several advantages. The main aim of selective attention is to improve concentration on a single activity at a time. For example, a pilot must continue to focus on controlling the aircraft, navigating, and communicating effectively with their co-pilot (Wang & Krauzlis, 2018). Simultaneously, they must hold the sensors’ aim and monitor the plan’s real progress. During the period, the aviator will require selective attention to fly and limit errors (Salo et al., 2017). Consequently, the pilot is responsible for several actions which are expected to be accomplished in a short time. Therefore, multitasking is the only possible way that provides people with the opportunity to complete their varied tasks concurrently. In each of these situations, varied decisions and actions are expected to be performed within a short time.
Both multitasking and selective attention allow people to review current issues, prioritize, and make the right decision based on the proper schedule. In most cases, selective attention and multitasking provide the approach of scheduling these tasks based on priorities, urgency, and importance (Wang & Krauzlis, 2018). Therefore, they are essential for managers and business owners in allocating and using the available resources effectively. The above trend will improve the overall organization performance and result in the achievement of better socio-economic progress.
Disadvantages of Selective Attention and Multitasking
Despite the above pros, it has been noted with varied concerns that the two activities have many limitations. Selective attention usually results in assortment which may ignore some of the most critical aspects of the entire process. Focusing on a single task, one may fail to check on other essential elements, which might improve decision-making (Zane et al., 2020). For instance, a mathematics teacher may forget to explore all possible techniques of solving an equation instead of focusing only on one approach perceived to be simple. On the other hand, multitasking has a loophole of encouraging the rush in decision making. In most cases, the controllers, such as pilots, may often have a hard time dealing with all the required activities during the flight. Therefore, the mechanisms require integration with other approaches to achieve efficient results.
Conclusion
Based on the presented facts, it is clear that both selective attention and multitasking are critical in human activities. Nevertheless, the attention mechanisms have their advantages as well as shortcomings. Therefore, pilots and teachers need to have the right guidance for operating effectively and achieving the best results while reducing limits. The effective application of the techniques will ensure that managers, teachers, pilots, and other professionals effectively achieve the best results.
References
Salo, E., Salmela, V., Salmi, J., Numminen, J., & Alho, K. (2017). Brain activity associated with selective attention, divided attention and distraction. Brain research, 1664, 25-36.
Wang, L., & Krauzlis, R. J. (2018). Visual selective attention in mice. Current Biology, 28(5), 676-685.
Zane, D. M., Smith, R. W., & Reczek, R. W. (2020). The Meaning of distraction: How metacognitive inferences from distraction during multitasking affect brand evaluations. Journal of Consumer Research, 46(5), 974-994.