Task Switching

Task switching, also called task-set shifting, is a high-level cognitive control/executive function (EF). In contrast to multitasking (consciously performing two+ tasks simultaneously), task switching unconsciously shifts attention between one task or set of rules and another—rapidly “bouncing” between such tasks as planning and decision-making. Frequent task switching can significantly decrease productivity due to the mental cost of straining multiple cognitive states. Checking email while working on a document with the TV on, then switching back to the document, then responding to a chat message. Also see Neurocognitive Systems and Conflict Processing