Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
STA. LUCIA HIGH SCHOOL
BASIC RESEARCH TEMPLATE

The Impact of Multitasking on Brainpower

and Efficiency of Grade 10 Students of Sta.
Lucia Highschool S.Y 2023-2024

Presented to
Ms. Rochelle Joy S. Senseng
STA. LUCIA HIGH SCHOOL

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the English Class
Fourth Quarter

Name of Members
NEGRADAS, HYACINTH C.
DELA CRUZ, KERBY P.
GARFIN, CHLOE MOLLY L.
CORDOVA, PRINCE YURIE A.
TAMONDONG, HARVEY E.
PANES, JV B.
ADAM, CARL HAIDEN G.
MERTO, ALAN
FAJARDA, KYLEE A.
DUGAN, JAIRA

Date Submitted

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LEAD PROPONENT NEGRADAS, HYACINTH C.

CO-PROPONENT 1 DELA CRUZ, KERBY P.
CO-PROPONENT 2 GARFIN, CHLOE MOLLY L.
CO-PROPONENT 3 CORDOVA, PRINCE YURIE A.
CO-PROPONENT 4 TAMONDONG, HARVEY E.
CO-PROPONENT 5 PANES, JV B.
CO-PROPONENT 6 ADAM, CARL HAIDEN G.
CO-PROPONENT 7 MERTO, ALAN
CO-PROPONENT 8 FAJARDA, KYLEE A.
CO-PROPONENT 9 DUGAN, JAIRA
CO-PROPONENT
10
The Impact of Multitasking on Brainpower and
Efficiency of students of sta lucia highschool s.y 2023-
TITLE OF
2024
RESEARCH

TYPE OF BASIC RESEARCH

RESEARCH
SECTION 10 AQUINO

ABSTRACT
Multitasking is the division of attention between many skills, tasks, or cognitive sets, whereas task
switching is a sort of multitasking in which one shifts between multiple abilities, tasks, or cognitive
sets. We watched and conducted a survey questionnaire to students in grade 10 at Sta Lucia High
School to better understand the impacts of multitasking. This document provides advice on how to
reduce the harmful impacts of multitasking. This paper investigates how multitasking affects overall
productivity versus focusing on a specific job. Our observations and surveys at Sta Lucia High School
revealed that multitasking can have a negative influence on productivity. Students may feel
overwhelmed or struggle to stay focused on individual activities. To reduce these impacts, we
recommend employing time management skills, prioritizing activities, creating a pleasant learning

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atmosphere, and practicing mindfulness. Focusing on one task at a time can improve pupils’
productivity and overall academic achievement
CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE
Many students assume they can pay attention in class while surfing the Internet, texting, or checking
the status of something online. When we multitask, we aren’t actually performing two things
simultaneously. Instead, we are moving our focus from one task to another, losing processing time
and effort with each transition. Students at St. Lucia High School frequently multitask because they
have so many activities to complete. We are conducting this study to learn about the impact of
multitasking on students’ brainpower and efficiency. We wish to know how multitasking influences
aspects that contribute to an individual’s life. This study is going to look at how multitasking affects
our ability to remember things, focus and make decisions. We’ll be doing experiments and analyze
data to understand how multitasking affects our brain and productivity. The results will be useful for
individuals and organizations who want to improve their performance in multitasking situations.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The researchers sought to analyse existing studies and research on the effects of multitasking on
humans. We did a review of related literature to identify research gaps, guide the selection of
acceptable research methodologies, improve theoretical frameworks, prevent biases and errors, and
even assist with research design and interpretation.

LOCAL

In a article on PhilStar GLOBAL By Francis J. Kong, Speed may be impressive, but it is not effective if it
is not accurate. One common complaint in the workplace is that a lot of jobs are done fast but the
rate of quality and accuracy leaves much to be desired. Modern day studies have proven that
humans are incapable of doing many tasks at the same time with focus and efficiency, yet we
convince ourselves that we can do multitasking when the more accurate word for what the brain
does is actually “switch-tasking.” Experts in the brain field insists in saying that the thinking part of
the brain itself does not multitask, and so people do not really multitask. The human system is not
set up that way. The brain experiences and holds only one thought at a time. And so, we switch tasks
and do not really do many tasks at the same time.

FOREIGN

According to an article VerWell Mind, by Kendra Cherry, MSEd updated on March 01, 2023,
multitasking seems like a great way to get a lot done at once, research has shown that our brains are
not nearly as good at handling multiple tasks as we like to think they are. In fact, some research
suggests that multitasking can actually hamper your productivity by reducing your comprehension,
attention, and overall performance. When we take on a task, several brain networks dealing with
attention and cognitive control are involved.

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In experiments published in 2001, Joshua Rubinstein, PhD, Jeffrey Evans, PhD, and David Meyer,
PhD, conducted four experiments in which young adults switched between different tasks, such as
solving math problems or classifying geometric objects. For all tasks, the participants lost time when
they had to switch from one task to another. As tasks got more complex, participants lost more time.
As a result, people took significantly longer to switch between more complex tasks. Time costs were
also greater when the participants switched to tasks that were relatively unfamiliar. They got up to
speed faster when they switched to tasks they knew better. This shows that people can multitask
well when the tasks they’re doing are relatively familiar.

Kevin Paul Madore, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, explained on may 10 2021 that when we
take on a task, there are several brain networks dealing with attention and cognitive control are
involved. These are: the frontoparietal control network, the dorsal attention network, and the
ventral attention network. The frontoparietal network involves “cold” executive skills and processes
such as working memory, inhibitory control, the capacity to focus attention and screen out the
effects of interfering information, and the ability to formulate and to adjust action plans. The dorsal
attention network (DAN) is anchored in the intraparietal sulcus and the frontal eye fields. The DAN
includes a focus upon egocentric space to generate sensory-motor information about functions such
as reaching, grasping, the “data” that are important for knowing about how to use objects. The
ventral attention network (VAN) is the brain’s “radar”, redirecting our attention in moments of
sudden and unexpected stimuli. Attempts to multitask can create interference among these
networks, and this can lead to slower processing as well as mistakes.

Student’s that multitask while doing a certain task or activity can effect the student’s focus on a task
which leads to losing processing time and effort with each performance. This can result of making up
to 4 times more errors and it can take up to 50% longer to accomplish a task. This is the key issues
which underline the research

We also evaluate strengths and weaknesses of different views. Multitasking can save you time by
allowing you to combine separate tasks. For instance, you may type minutes while still sitting in the
meeting instead of taking handwritten notes and typing a final copy later on. Doing separate tasks
one at a time can lengthen the completion time of tasks and projects. But through that positive
effect of multitasking, this can lead to inefficient use of time during switching a task from another,
and people who multitask often have limited time to think of new ideas, such as how to tackle a
task.

The research has specifically examined the purpose of multitasking is undermining their
concentration on their studies, reducing their grades and performances. Attending to multiple
streams of information and entertainment while studying, doing homework, or even sitting in class
has become common behaviour among young people. While it may seem contrary to popular belief,
we tend to work slower and less efficiently when we multitask.

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We, the researchers also analysed the things that research still needs to be done. Doing several
different things at once can impair cognitive ability, even for people who multitask frequently, and
the people who engage in this habit most frequently often lack the skills needed to be effective at it.

The effects of multitasking are likely short-term, but there are no definitive studies to answer that
question fully. Avoid switching between tasks. Work on one task for a set time for about 20 minutes,
and then switch to another task. These studies suggest that multitasking causes us to: make more
mistakes, retain less information, and change the way our brain works. The related literature we
reviewed suggested that people should schedule a time of day to check your email rather than
checking it throughout the day.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Research questions guide the study and usually provide the structure for presenting the results of
the research. The research questions guiding this study were:

1. Demographic profile
1.1 Sex
1.2 Grade and Section
1.3 Age

2. How does multitasking affect your total productivity versus focusing on particular task?
3. Does multitasking impact cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-
solving abilities?
4. How does multitasking influence one’s capacity to prioritize task and allocate attention
efficiently?

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The study that is going to be carried out is specifically designed to investigate the correlation
between the high school students of Sta. Lucia High School and their academic accomplishments,
productivity, and multitasking behaviors. With a mixed-methods approach, we will delve into the
frequency and types of multitasking behaviors, such as messaging and using social media while
completing academic tasks, and their impacts on productivity and cognitive function. We are
confident that this study will provide valuable insights into the effects of multitasking on academic
achievement and productivity. After careful consideration of our resources and time, we have
chosen to conduct a study that will primarily concentrate on the students of Sta. Lucia High School.
While the findings may pertain to this particular academic setting, we are certain that the
information gathered will offer critical insights into the correlation between multitasking, academic
performance, and productivity. Your participation in this study can contribute to a greater
understanding of these important factors and ultimately lead to improved learning outcomes.
However, it is important to note that the study may be subject to certain biases, such as self-
reported information and outside variables such as individual variances in multitasking skills,
personal situations, and academic support networks. Nonetheless, we are confident that the study
will yield insightful results that can be used to improve the academic performance of students.

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CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A. Sampling
The grade 10 students of Sta. Lucia High School participated on the survey that we prepared about
The Impact of Multitasking on Brainpower and Efficiency of Grade 10 Students of Sta. Lucia
Highschool s.y 2023-2024. The students that participate in our survey about multi-tasking have the
common hobby of doing multiple task often, multi-tasking is common on most students around the
world. Young people in particular demonstrate their belief that they can pay attention to several
things at the same time by text messaging while in class, talking on the cell phone while driving, or
instant messaging while doing homework. Most students that do multi-tasking have a hard time
focusing and can’t have there brain focused and think critically on multiple task and activity.

The type of sampling procedure that we used in this research is Non-Probability Sampling Methods.
On our survey student’s answered willingly and take there time to answer our survey and give there
answer to our questions about multi-tasking.

B. Data Collection
In the research instrument and procedures, we utilized a Google form/ survey to ask
questions about our study title, which we then uploaded and passed on to other individuals
or to another section to get their responses or thoughts. Every student and their responses to
our survey can be included in our research paper. For example, 50% of the students who
responded to the survey who struggled with multitasking can be taken and included in our
research paper.

C. Ethical Issues
The research has a duty to ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible
manner from planning to publication. Researchers should always familiarise themselves with these
ethical issues, such as : voluntary participation, anonymity, informed consent, confidentiality. These
ethical concerns could possibly emanate from the conduct of research, we the researchers did
something to prevent these from taking place. Respondents of our research are able to choose to
participate in or out of the study at any time. Participants understand the research’s objective,
benefits, risks, and funding before agreeing or declining to participate.

When conducting research on the impact of multitasking on brainpower and efficiency among
students, confidentiality and anonymity are crucial . It involves collecting data on how to guarantee
that there are no abuses regarding the information gathered from the participants and ensuring the
safety of their identities. A way to guarantee confidentiality is to collect information using an
identifier, like an identifying number not linked to personal information. The use of identifiable data
that participants provided should not be written or used elsewhere. Anonymity is achieved by
avoiding collecting identifiable information. We did not collect names, addresses, social security

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numbers or other details that make it feasible that participants could be identified or possible should
not have been collected.

The study is all about understanding the purpose and the procedures regarding the potential
benefits and risks as well as the privacy measures. The respondents have the right to tour the
study and ask any questions regarding the study. – Any uncertainties that the respondents
might have can wait, as you have the right to seek further clarification. Additionally, the
respondents can decide freely whether you want to volunteer or not to volunteer in this
study and withdraw from the study.

D. Plan for Data Analysis

In the survey we conduct, qualitative data analysis is used. It is used to capture expressive
information not conveyed in quantitative data about beliefs, values, feelings, and motivations
that underlie behaviors. Qualitative methods derive from a variety of disciplines and
traditions.
TIMETABLE/GANTT CHART
Month
(indicate the 1st month here: Month 1 – Last Month)
ACTIVITIES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1
0 1 2
1. Research
Title

2. Chapter 1

3. Survey &
Questionnair
e

4. Chapter 2

5. Chapter 3 &
4

6. Chapter 5 &
revise?

CHAPTER 3 AND 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In this chapter the results of the study are presented and discussed with reference to the aim of the
study, which was The Impact of Multitasking on Brainpower and Efficiency of Grade 10 Students of
Sta. Lucia Highschool S.Y 2023-2024

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Problem No. 1

We discovered that multitasking influences the outcome of results. Furthermore, we discovered that
when students multitask, they receive poorer grades than when they focus on a single task. These
findings imply that multitasking has an impact on our overall productivity compared to focusing on
one activity.

Regarding the impact of multitasking on academic performance, our findings show the negative
impacts of dividing attention across various tasks. This is consistent with recent research indicating
that multitasking might lead to lower productivity and poorer outcomes. It is critical for instructors
and students to understand the value of focusing on one activity at a time in order to maximize
learning and performance. Future research could look into ways for reducing multitasking
tendencies and increasing task-focused attention in order to improve academic achievement.

Furthermore, our findings align with the work of Kevin Paul Madore, a neurologist at Stanford
University (2021). His research demonstrates that when people multitask, multiple brain networks
involved in attention and cognitive control are disrupted. Specifically, the frontoparietal control
network, dorsal attention network, and ventral attention network all play important roles in
managing attentional resources and coordinating cognitive activities during multitasking.
Understanding the brain mechanisms behind multitasking can help create therapies to improve
cognitive function and mitigate the negative consequences of multitasking on academic and career
success.

Problem No. 2

We discovered that multitasking had an influence on attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Our attention is divided in order to complete the activities, making it harder for the individual to
concentrate. Although multitasking improves flexibility, it also overloads our cognitive capacity,
increasing stress. Multitasking may allow you to complete a large amount of work at once, but the
quality and content of your work are not optimal.

Moreover, how well a person remembers anything is at least partially influenced by how well they
pay attention. If someone is multitasking and paying less attention, it will undoubtedly influence how
they remember things.

Our findings supports the article of Kevin P. Madore a Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychology at Stanford
University in november 18, 2020. A team of scientists also found that people with increased
attention lapses during the task tend to be heavy multitaskers, they often perform two or more
related activities at once, such as reading, watching videos, or doing school works. Additionally,
There have been many previous studies showing that heavy multitasking is associated with reduced
short-term and long-term memory

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Problem No.3

Many students believe they can effectively multitask when in reality it impairs their performance.
They underestimate the negative impacts of multitasking on their learning.

We found out that multitasking influence one’s capacity to prioritize task and allocate attention
efficiently. A student is unable to place the easiest task before the most challenging one. A student
undertaking two and more activities may at times get overwhelmed making it extremely hard for a
student to finish it’s task. Multitasking may increase productivity, but more errors may come in
priority distribution. Multitasking concurrently discourages motivation. The rationale is a student
focuses on both shortly and then dwells on one task at the expense of the other.

Additionally, we found out that multitasking can overwhelm the brain, reducing the ability to
prioritize tasks effectively. It often leads to decreased attention and productivity as the brain
switches between tasks

CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary
Multitasking is very common for a lot of us, we do this so we could get more task, activity done all at
once. But by doing this kind of act can be a cause for our low performance on a certain task, this can
cause us distractions, hard time focusing, and difficulty prioritizing tasks. Our brain is not very
efficient in multitasking because our brain does not multitask but switch task from one another, so
therefore we cannot fully get our focus on multiple task when doing them all at once. Multitasking is
the division of attention between many skills, tasks, or activity performances, whereas task switching
is a sort of multitasking in which one shifts between multiple abilities, or tasks. By analyzing our
result in our survey about multi-tasking, mostly of the students that respond and answered our
survey says that multi-tasking can give you a negative impact towards your work, in a way of giving
you distraction, and not able to focus in a task at a time, and can hinder your ability to prioritize a
certain activity at a time although some students here says that multi-tasking can provide you some
positive outcome, like the concept that has the ability to unlock our skills and expand our attention
flexibity. Although the concept of multitasking is exciting, it has been criticized owing of the potential
harmful consequences. As a result, multitasking has not been encouraged since its identification,
which may be a significant loss for learners. By helping learners keep their focus on what is
important while also allowing them the opportunity to go from one sort of task to another, one is
likely to create the conditions for a successful skill training process, and better result.

Findings

By analyzing our result in our survey about multi-tasking, mostly of the students that respond and
answered our survey says that multi-tasking can give you a negative impact towards your work, in a
way of giving you distraction, not able to focus in a task at a time, and can hinder your ability to

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prioritize a certain activity at a time. Although some of the students here says that multi-tasking can
provide you some positive outcome, like the concept that has the ability to unlock our skills and
expand our attention flexibility. This kind of doing can also save you time and more task done at
once. But some says that multi-tasking can depend whether it’s going to be a positive thing to do or
negative. It depends on a student whether he/she is good at multi-tasking or not, multi-tasking can
be a skill that a student can have, by able to focus more things at once can be a impressive thing to
do, and takes a lot of experience to master and be comfortable in doing this act.

Conclusion

Although the concept of multitasking is exciting, it has been criticized owing of the potential harmful
consequences. As a result, multitasking has not been encouraged since its identification, which may
be a significant loss for learners. By helping learners keep their focus on what is important while also
allowing them the opportunity to go from one sort of task to another, one is likely to create the
conditions for a successful skill training process.

Recommendation

1. Create to do list

Create a list of tasks that you need to complete and list them in the priority that they need to be
done. This way, each of your tasks will get your full attention, and you’ll make sure that the most
crucial ones are completed. If you don’t get through everything on your list, move those task to the
next day

2. Reduce outside distractions

Do your best to eliminate distractions throughout the day. Turn off your email, text messages, and
social media notifications while you are completing tasks. Avoid opening mobile games and other
social media flatforms.

3. Don’t be shy to say no

Sometimes you may find yourself multitasking because you took on a task you don’t really have time
for. Don’t be afraid to say no when someone asked you to complete additional tasks. Be aware of
how much will you do and how long it will take to complete. If you can’t fit any more in your day,
simply decline or say no.

4. Finish Before You Start

Make sure you finish tasks to closure before starting the next one

5. Take Breaks.

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While developing your ability to focus deeply is crucial, it is very important to take regular breaks to
recharge.

REFERENCES

Kong, F. (2019, July 6). Thoughts on multi-tasking.

https://polar.me/blog/youre-not-multitasking-switch-tasking-ruining-productivity

Kendra, C. (2023, March 1)How Multitasking Affects Productivity and Brain Health

https://www.verywellmind.com/multitasking-2795003

Rubinstein, J. S., Meyer, D. E. & Evans, J. E. (2001). Executive Control of Cognitive Processes in Task
Switching. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 27, 763-797.

https://www.apa.org/topics/research/multitasking

Madore, K. P. (2021, May 10) Why multitasking does more harm than good

https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/why-multitasking-does-more-harm-good

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