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Is the smartphone a performance killer? : The effect of the frequency and intrusiveness of smartphone alerts on the task performance of University students

MARTENS, M.J.E. (2017) Is the smartphone a performance killer? : The effect of the frequency and intrusiveness of smartphone alerts on the task performance of University students.

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Abstract:Abstract Aim. The aim of this research is to answer the research question: “What is the effect of smartphone alert’s interruption frequency and the alert’s intrusiveness on the task performance of University students and how does this effect differ depending on the type of task that has to be performed?” Background. The research was conducted because the problem of multitasking is becoming more and more problematic, especially while studying. University students are increasingly interrupted by their smartphones, which is thought to decrease task performance. Design and method. The research consisted of a 2x2x2 design, with the variables interruption frequency and interruption intrusiveness measured in two the different tasks. An experiment was used where University students had to carry out a task and were interrupted by a smartphone in the meantime. Results. The outcomes show that interruption frequency increases the completion time, the interruption’s intrusiveness leads to a higher number of errors, and the type of task also influences the completion time. Conclusion and implications. Results have confirmed that the number of smartphone alerts and the alert’s intrusiveness decrease task performance. Children, University students and employees must be educated on the fact that studying and using smartphones decreases task performance.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Communication Studies MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/74027
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