Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I am doing the multitasking experiment and I have no idea how hard to make the math test. Do I make it so the test subject have to think hard on it, or easy questions that take no effort? It says that the test should take about 10 minuets, so do I make it longer with more questions? or do I make the questions more difficult. I am afraid that if I make it too difficult the people taking the test may not remember the concepts from when they were in school. I am just not sure and if you could give me some help I would be very appreciative. Thanks!

Hi,
I would not claim to be an expert in designing a test like this, but my feeling is that if you are trying to test a person's ability to multi-task, you should not make the tasks very difficult. Simple arithmetic should be sufficient. I would think that the ability is reflected in how many things you can do at once, not necessarily how difficult the tasks are. Remember that the brain is divided into hemispheres that have different abilities, so you should choose some tasks that involve math, some with language and others with visual memory or perception.

Good luck and do let us know what happens.

Sybee

Ok thank you so much. I am thinking I may to a times table test. 100 easy multiplication questions and see the difference in times

Hi,
Yes, a multiplication table test would probably work. Long division is also good.

Let us know how it turns out.

Sybee