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Who’s Better at Multitasking: Males or Females?

Multitasking: Males Vs. Females

A smiling woman multitasking with multiple arms holding various objects, including a clock, phone, tablet, coffee cup, and calculator, against a teal and white abstract background.

Introduction

The concept of multitasking has long been a topic of debate, especially when it comes to gender. Many believe that women are naturally better at juggling multiple tasks, while men excel at focusing on one thing at a time. But is this really the case? And what does science say about multitasking itself? Spoiler alert: true multitasking may not even exist.

Is Multitasking a Myth?

Research suggests that what we commonly call multitasking is actually task-switching—rapidly shifting attention between two or more activities. While it might feel like we’re doing everything at once, our brain is only capable of focusing on one complex task at a time.

When you attempt to write an email while listening to a presentation, your brain alternates its attention between the two, which can lead to reduced efficiency, more errors, and mental fatigue. A 2009 study by Stanford University confirmed that people who frequently “multitask” are less effective because their brains struggle to filter irrelevant information and switch between tasks efficiently.

Do Males Females Switch Tasks Differently?

While multitasking may not exist in the purest sense, studies have explored how males and females differ in their ability to switch tasks and manage multiple responsibilities. Here’s what science says:

The Female Advantage: Some studies suggest that women may have a slight edge in task-switching. A study from the University of Glasgow found that women performed better in multitasking scenarios requiring organization, memory, and managing priorities, such as finding lost objects while completing a series of unrelated tasks. This may be linked to evolutionary roles where women historically balanced multiple caregiving and survival tasks.

The Male Focus: Men, on the other hand, tend to excel in tasks that require deep focus and sustained attention. Research suggests that men perform better when focusing on a single activity that requires precision or logical problem-solving. While this may make task-switching slightly slower, it enables men to execute tasks requiring high concentration more efficiently.

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What Influences Task-Switching Abilities?

Though there are slight gender-based tendencies, the ability to handle multiple tasks is more strongly influenced by individual factors such as:

  1. Experience: People accustomed to juggling multiple roles—like working parents—tend to switch tasks more seamlessly.
  2. Task Type: Routine or physical tasks (e.g., folding laundry) are easier to manage alongside other activities than cognitively demanding ones.
  3. Personality and Practice: Personality traits like adaptability and the habit of structured planning play a significant role.

How to Get Better Get Faster at Task-Switching (Regardless of Gender)

Multitasking may be a myth, but you can still train your brain to switch tasks more effectively. Here are some tips:

  1. Limit Task Switching: Whenever possible, focus on one task at a time for better efficiency and fewer errors.
  2. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar activities together to minimize cognitive switching costs (e.g., check emails at one time instead of throughout the day).
  3. Practice Mindfulness: Improving focus through mindfulness techniques like meditation can help you handle distractions more effectively.
  4. Set Clear Priorities: Organize your tasks by importance to ensure the most critical work gets your full attention.
  5. Use Tools: Planners, task management apps, and reminders can help streamline your responsibilities.

Conclusion:

So, who’s better at multitasking, males or females? The answer isn’t as straightforward as stereotypes suggest. While women might perform better in task-switching scenarios requiring organization and memory, men tend to excel in tasks that demand intense focus and precision. However, these differences are subtle and often overshadowed by individual experience, personality, and the type of task.

What’s more important to remember is that multitasking, in the traditional sense, doesn’t actually exist. Instead of trying to do it all at once, focus on building your task-switching skills and optimizing your cognitive efficiency.

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References:

  1. Nass, C., et al. (2009). “Cognitive Control in Multitaskers.” PNAS.
  2. Mäntylä, T. (2013). “Gender differences in multitasking reflect spatial ability.” Psychological Science.
  3. Stoet, G., & O’Connor, D. B. (2017). “Are women better multitaskers?” BMC Psychology.