The Neural Dynamics of Concurrent Multitasking

We are at a point where the influence of multitasking reaches into just about
every aspect of our daily lives. As such, our understanding of the phenomenon
has become an important research topic. In the proposed research our goal is to
further our understanding of multitasking behavior by following them as they
happen in the brain.
Several neuroimaging studies have compared the brain activation during single
tasks to that during dual tasks. In most studies, the summed activation
measured during two single tasks is compared to the activation of the two tasks
in parallel. Results are varied: different studies find different brain areas.
Even in terms of activation there is no agreement: some studies find additional
activation, while others find reduced activation.

The disadvantage of traditional fMRI analysis - as performed in previous
studies - is that as tasks become more complex, it becomes increasingly hard to
isolate particular cognitive functions, because every variation of the task
always involves a combination of functions. We propose to use (in addition to
standard analysis) a range of numerical methods to map the neural dynamics
found in multitasking situations.

Even though identifying its neural dynamics helps us in understanding
multitasking, it does not yet answer the question how people select which tasks
to do in the first place. To understand how and when multitasking can be
dangerous, we have to understand how people decide to take on and abandon
tasks. We believe that in many multitasking situations cognitive factors play a
decisive role. Therefore our second aim is to use the imaging data to find the
mechanisms behind the goal selection found in multitasking behavior.

Our main objective is to identify the neural dynamics of multitasking and
mechanisms of goal selection. Furthermore, we want to develop a model of how
the human brain prioritizes and processes multiple tasks using the neuroimaging
results.

We will collect MRI measurements while participants engage in combinations of
cognitive tasks. These tasks each have different cognitive requirements (visual
perception, motor control, working memory, etc.), which possibly overlap with
each other.

Functional MRI is an eminently safe technique; there are no risks that have
been associated with the acquisition of fMRI data per se. Above certain limits,
warming and/or an itching/tingling feeling (stimulation of peripheral nerve
terminations) are possible. However, the magnetic intensities used in this
research are amply below these limits. The data collected during the functional
and anatomical MRI scans will be used for research purposes only. However, if
evident abnormalities in the brain are noticed, then the General Practitioner,
who is indicated by the subject, will be notified.
The strong magnetic fields used by fMRI can dislocate ferromagnetic particles
inside the brain and the eyes, interfere with the functioning of electronic
devices implanted inside a person's body (pacemakers, insulin pumps, etc.), as
well as induce heating in artificially metal-rich regions (red tattoos,
metallic supports to previously fractured bones, prosthetic implants). In order
to stave off the risks involved with such possible conditions, subjects will be
required to complete a questionnaire and only if none of the exclusion criteria
is met the subject will be allowed to participate in our experiment.
Furthermore, the study is not intended to benefit the participants directly.