Dual-Task Interference

Dual-task interference occurs when a person attempts to perform two tasks simultaneously, leading to a decline in performance for one or both tasks. This happens because our cognitive resources are limited; when they are divided between two activities, such as talking and driving, our attention and mental processing become strained. As a result, we may make more mistakes or take longer to complete each task. In everyday life, this phenomenon explains why multitasking can be less effective than focusing on one task at a time for better accuracy and efficiency.