Question

In math class, while trying to understand a complicated problem on the chalkboard, you look over your physics notes in preparation for a physics quiz scheduled for the next hour. How successful will you be at these dual-attention tasks and why? Include at least three influences on attention in your discussion.

Answer 1

You may not be successful at doing both said tasks for multiple reasons, but it could be possible with a large attention span. Maintaining focus of your attention on both the chalkboard and the notes is difficult. For some, it is not easy to divide attention between opposite tasks from using your stimuli that use your visuals in your sensory system. Stress would make both more difficult than you'd like. This goes for worrying about both matters; making sure that you recognize the information on said notes and worrying about getting your work done from the chalkboard in time. In all simplification, it would make your work complicated.