Can You Multi-Task? Experiment Results and Discussion

Complete the experiment on p. 138 of your textbook in the “Try this Out” section. In your essay, please describe your results and discuss the following questions:

• Based on your results and the information presented in the textbook, should we multi-task while studying? How about while driving?
• Do you think there are some tasks that are easier to multi-task on than others? If so, which ones? If not, why not?
• Apply the concepts of divided attention and focused awareness to your findings and/or experience with this activity as you answer the questions above.

In your essay, be realistic (e.g., many of us will still eat on a long road trip). Instead of prescribing a specific list, consider recommending general principles to consider. Include points related to levels of consciousness and attention.

1.  Essay must be at least 400 words,  in current APA format, and cite the course text. You must also use scholarly articles and the Bible as sources.  Each essay must include a title page and reference page.  THESE ARE A MUST AND VERY IMPORTANT.  DO NOT SKIP THESE!
   
   
2. While meeting the word count is important, it is possible to write an essay that is long enough, but not substantive enough to earn full credit.  The second criteria of a good essay is including a clear and substantial answer to the prompt.  When preparing your essay, ask yourself, “Does my essay answer the question or questions being posed?”  and “Does it clearly answer all parts of the question, using material to support my answer?”  When answering the essay question, it is important to use concepts, research, and/or theories from the week’s material to support your thoughts.  A good essay will offer a thoughtful response on the topic being discussed and will demonstrate a good understanding of the topic by using material from the week in your answer. Using anecdotes or personal experiences are not as substantial or scholarly as using research and/or theory to advance discussion.  
   
   
3. A good essay offers something new and fresh.  Avoid simply answering the question with a simple response or reiteration of what the textbook says. Instead, present information in a way that advances thought on the topic and shows a clear understanding of and reflection on the material.  Essay prompts are your opportunity to demonstrate how much you have learned and can apply the topic. This does not mean that you write and write and write, but rather that you present a thought-filled and reflective essay that addresses the question being asked in a way that demonstrates a true depth of understanding of the week’s material.  
   
   
4. A good essay is written in a scholarly way, free of grammatical and spelling errors.  It will also be in current APA format and use both in-text citations and a reference section. Essays are expected to be written in a scholarly way and with research/references to support your views.

Please review the grading rubric and what is expected in each category prior to preparing your first essay.