Recent studies in cognitive psychology have challenged the traditional view that multitasking enhances productivity. Researchers such as Ophir et al. (2009) found that individuals who frequently engage in multiple media streams simultaneously perform worse on tasks requiring sustained attention and memory retention. This phenomenon, termed 'media multitasking,' appears to impair the brain's ability to filter irrelevant information, leading to cognitive overload. Furthermore, subsequent experiments using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown reduced activation in the prefrontal cortex among heavy multitaskers when switching between tasks, suggesting a neural basis for their decreased efficiency. These findings imply that while multitasking may feel efficient, it often results in shallower processing of information and poorer overall performance, particularly in complex academic or professional settings. Consequently, educators and employers are increasingly advocating for 'single-tasking' strategies to optimize learning and productivity.
❓ 本文によると、メディア・マルチタスキングの主な結果は何ですか?
A. 無関係な情報をフィルタリングする能力の向上
B. 学術環境における記憶保持の向上
C. 集中力を要するタスクにおける効率の低下
D. タスク切り替え中の前頭前皮質における活性化の増加
✅ 正确答案
Reduced efficiency in tasks requiring focused attention
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first