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601. Multitasking Doesn’t Work. So Why Do We Keep Trying?
Freakonomics Radio
The Rare Ability to Super Task
Research indicates that a small percentage of the population, about 2.5%, possesses a unique ability to excel at multitasking without experiencing the typical performance decline associated with such activities. These individuals, termed 'super taskers', show no errors while performing simultaneous cognitively demanding tasks, defying conventional expectations of multitasking difficulties. Brain imaging studies reveal distinctive neural signatures in these super taskers, with particular efficiency noted in the frontal polar region of the prefrontal cortex, suggesting an innate or possibly genetic predisposition. The phenomenon raises questions about the nature of skill acquisition and the relationship between innate ability and learned skill. While general learning theories suggest skills do not easily transfer across tasks, super taskers demonstrate that they can perform exceptionally well on new tasks without prior exposure, implying a fundamental difference in cognitive processing rather than a result of practice or skill transfer. These insights challenge traditional notions about multitasking and cognitive load, highlighting a rare cognitive capability in a select few.
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