OBJECTIVE We proposed and demonstrate a theory-driven, quantitative, individual-level estimate of the degree to which cognitive processes are degraded or enhanced when multiple tasks are simultaneously completed. BACKGROUND To evaluate multitasking, we used a performance-based cognitive model to predict efficient performance. The model controls for single-task performance at the individual level and does not depend on parametric assumptions, such as normality, which do not apply to many performance evaluations. METHODS Twenty participants attempted to maintain their isolated task performance in combination for three dual-task and one triple-task scenarios. We utilized a computational model of multiple resource theory to form hypotheses for how performance in each environment would compare, relative to the other multitask contexts. We assessed if and to what extent multitask performance diverged from the model of efficient multitasking in each combination of tasks across multiple sessions. RESULTS Across the two sessions, we found variable individual task performances but consistent patterns of multitask efficiency such that deficits were evident in all task combinations. All participants exhibited decrements in performing the triple-task condition. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a modeling framework that characterizes multitasking efficiency with a single score. Because it controls for single-task differences and makes no parametric assumptions, the measure enables researchers and system designers to directly compare efficiency across various individuals and complex situations. APPLICATION Multitask efficiency scores offer practical implications for the design of adaptive automation and training regimes. Furthermore, a system may be tailored for individuals or suggest task combinations that support productivity and minimize performance costs.

中文翻译：

---

多任务性能新指标的推导和演示

目标 我们提出并展示了一个理论驱动的、定量的、个体水平的估计，用于评估同时完成多项任务时认知过程的退化或增强程度。背景 为了评估多任务处理，我们使用基于性能的认知模型来预测有效性能。该模型在个人层面控制单任务绩效，不依赖于参数假设，例如正态性，这些假设不适用于许多绩效评估。方法 20 名参与者试图在三个双重任务和一个三重任务场景的组合中保持他们的孤立任务表现。我们利用多资源理论的计算模型来假设每个环境中的性能将如何与其他多任务上下文进行比较。我们评估了在跨多个会话的每个任务组合中，多任务性能是否以及在多大程度上偏离了高效多任务模型。结果 在这两个会话中，我们发现不同的个人任务表现，但多任务效率的模式一致，因此缺陷在所有任务组合中都很明显。所有参与者在执行三重任务条件时都表现出递减。结论 我们展示了一个建模框架，该框架用一个分数来表征多任务处理效率。因为它控制单任务差异并且不做参数假设，所以该度量使研究人员和系统设计人员能够直接比较不同个体和复杂情况的效率。应用 多任务效率分数为自适应自动化和培训制度的设计提供了实际意义。此外，系统可以为个人量身定制或建议支持生产力和最小化绩效成本的任务组合。