Focusing on multiple tasks at once most likely leads to which of the following?

• A. Improved concentration and lower stress levels
• B. Greater emotional stability
• C. Increased stress and reduced overall performance
• D. Enhanced memory retention

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of multitasking in psychology, which refers to attempting to perform more than one task simultaneously or switching rapidly between tasks.
2. Step 2: Recognize that cognitive resources such as attention and working memory are limited, meaning that dividing attention between multiple tasks can strain these resources.
3. Step 3: Consider research findings that show multitasking often leads to increased cognitive load, which can cause higher stress levels and reduce the quality of performance on each task.
4. Step 4: Analyze why multitasking does not typically improve concentration or memory retention, as the brain cannot fully focus on multiple tasks at once, leading to decreased efficiency.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most supported outcome of multitasking is increased stress and reduced overall performance, rather than improvements in concentration, emotional stability, or memory.