Multitasking

Delbridge (2001) defined multitasking as accomplishing multiple goals in the same general time period by “engaging in frequent switches between individual tasks”. The individual may, at any given point in time, be making progress towards meeting only one of the goals but over the longer time period makes progress towards all goals. This definition is based on the assumption that tasks are performed in succession, or in a sequence, not simultaneously. Distinguishing between simultaneous and sequential processing, Delbridge (2001) noted that when trying to do just two tasks simultaneously, performance on one task is generally detrimental to performance on a second, simultaneous task. This distinction between simultaneous and sequential processing is significant in the research of multitasking.

Source:

Delbridge, K. A. (2001). Individual Differences In Multi-Tasking Ability: Exploring A Nomological Network; Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Michigan,